For the public, Grossman says, the industry stance amounts to “trust us.” The story was produced in partnership with the Food and Environment Reporting Network.
When it comes to transparency on the source of fruits and vegetables, “Only country of origin need be shared,” writes Elizabeth Grossman in Mother Jones in an article prompted by her attempt to trace-back the Mexican-grown mango that she bought in a Portland, Ore, grocery store. Retailers are required under a 2009 law to display the country of origin of its produce. As Grossman learned, produce distributors regard the names of their growers and packers as confidential business information and there is no legal obligation to share them with the public. Growers, packers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers exchange documents about their supplies and the Food Safety Modernization Act will require better records.
For the public, Grossman says, the industry stance amounts to “trust us.” The story was produced in partnership with the Food and Environment Reporting Network.