PB News That’s Fit for Feeds
As an avid fan of all things peanut, I'm crushed every time a product is added to the dreaded salmonella recall list. It was troubling enough when we had to monitor E. Coli outbreaks in meat (does this burger look pink?) and even worse yet when bacteria-laden spinach wreaked havoc (what happened to the salad bar?). Now, should choosy moms choose ham and cheese sandwiches over PB&J to stock those lunchboxes?
Much to my delight, my nutty spread of choice has emerged untainted and unscathed. But my roommate's protein bars weren't so lucky-back to the store they went for a full refund.
News on the outbreak has certainly spread, but I wonder whether most people will take the time to scan the newspaper or call consumer hotlines to find out whether that super peanut butter fudge pop has an unexpected and potentially fatal ingredient.
Fortunately, the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration have teamed up to provide a comprehensive attack plan for disseminating information about the recall. Gathering all that Web 2.0 has to offer, the groups launched a Web site offering blogs, e-mail, podcasts and RSS and Twitter feeds to keep tech-savvy consumers updated on the latest products being removed from shelves. They even have e-cards you can send to remind friends and family members to toss tainted PB products and a social network badge you can post proudly to let everyone know your kitchen cabinets are disease-free.
According to a Government Health IT article, the Web site marks a new approach in the way HHS agencies function. Traditionally, projects have been confined to specific agencies; the Web site launch marks one of the first times agencies have successfully collaborated on a project.
Granted, consumers will need to find the site before they can reap the rewards of real-time, multi-media updates. And then, of course, cope with the deluge of details sure to flood their inboxes and BlackBerrys as the investigation continues to unfold.
I just hope the scandal blows over soon, so I can get back to eating peanut butter cookies without risking a late night trip to the hospital. Until then, at least peanut allergy sufferers can enjoy a sense of normalcy among abstainers.