Have we become too fearful, in this Internet age? We wash our hands with germicidal soap only to learn that the antibacterial chemical triclosan penetrates the skin and messes with our endocrine system. We buy "fat-free" half & half. made with corn syrup solids, sugar, and carageenan, among other things. Carnuba wax isn't just for polishing cars anymore, it's in processed foods, by the ton. We listen to the wingnuts who say alcohol kills our brain cells, but drink a glass of wine because it strengthens our immune system. In the name of food safety, our governments cozy up to Big Agriculture. Seattle's most eco-conscious chef, Kevin Davis, says anybody who drives a car is implicated in the Gulf oil disaster. How to eat, what to eat, is the new question of our time.
And just when we thought it was safe to eat food again, after we'd washed off the oily fish and rinsed the fecal spinach and sanitized our poisoned hands, we find that the Feds are recalling our eggs. Billions of eggs from egg factories.
"As long as they keep cutting corners in the name of corporate profits, our food supply will continue to be unsafe," says Zachary Lyons, spokesman for Seattle Farmers Markets, "unless, of course, we build an alternative food system."
This is actually good news for the neighborhood markets, where small family farms bring their eggs. More expensive, to be sure, and you have to get there early. Ballard sold 50 dozen eggs this week in the first 20 minutes. Olympic Sculpture Park Thursday, same story. Madrona this afternoon? The market opens at 3.
Above: deviled eggs at John Howie Steak, Zach Lyons, beef tongue topped with egg at Boat Street Café
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