As the mainstream food industry tries to play catch-up to meet the consumers supply demand, the community that can be created simply by purchasing from a friendly face is sounding more appealing to customers around the world.

A long-attended tradition in many foreign countries, markets have become a gathering place to barter, find good food and make new friends for centuries.

Food safety and meeting demands

Currently, the demand for food to be available at all times seems to be taking its toll on the Western food system.  A Federal health policy in the United States requires food manufacturers to be able to identify the suppliers and recipients of their products.  A new study recently published by the NY Times suggests that many manufacturers are not adhering to this law, mainly due to a lack of knowledge regarding the requirements of food safety.

What does this mean for you?

If a manufacturer is not able to identify the suppliers of the goods he is selling, there is an inevitable chain reaction – which results in your local grocer may also not know where the food is coming from.  Many manufacturers that have been contacted by the Food and Drug Administration seem equally as concerned as consumers may be, since it means a more difficult struggle in already hard times.

This is not to say all the food in your cupboard is dark and mysterious– quite to the contrary.  The Obama administration is working hard to ensure adherence to the food safety regulations, and many of the manufacturers contacted by the individuals initiating this investigation were able to trace their food back to its original source.

In a culture that calls for mass production and the ever-growing need for instant gratification, the presence of untraceable food should be taken with a grain of salt.  What it does call for, however, is simply the need for more manufacturers and consumers to be more aware.

A Blessing in Disguise

Long have we watched in awe as the French have eaten their decadent meals and gained nary a pound.  But what is the trick? As we have learned, the French view food as sacred and enjoy the senses of food – taste, smell, texture – as much, if not more, thanthe actual act of eating for sustenance.  A culture so avidly in love with their food can, perhaps, teach us a thing or two…

While the local grocery store is adept at supplying you with your quick-access cravings, a concept that is beginning to grow more and more popular is shopping at the local farmers market.  Leafy greens, fresh fruits and the enhancement of your community network are at your fingertips, with the possibility of imbuing you not only with a sense of fulfillment at supporting your local comrades, but also in exploring the roots (no pun intended) of the food you eat.

So, let’s stop, take a breath, and savor our next glass of red wine.  As Voltaire once said, “Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity”.

Read the full NY Times article.
Read more about the French diet.
For more information on Canadian Farmers Markets, visit Farmer’s Markets Canada.
For more information on U.S. Farmers Markets, including how to find local markets in your neighborhood, visit the Agricultural Marketing Service’s website.
Image courtesy of redwingfarmersmarket.com

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