Government is yet again not up to par

Does it seem that the government does not take the proper precautions to prevent serious injury or illness for its people?

Well, in the case of beef, the answer may be no.

According to The Associated Press, Jim’s Market and Locker Inc. of Harlan, Iowa produced ground beef patties and packages August through Sept. 1 that could be contaminated with the dangerous strain of E. Coli.

Friday, the government reported that the meat distributed to the seven states: Georgia, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Texas, Wisconsin and one retail establishment in Iowa was recalled by the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service.

But wait a minute, aren’t they at least two months late?

What happened to the performing the correct inspections prior to the beef being distributed? Someone was obviously not on his Ps and Qs.

E. Coli lives in the intestines of the cattle and other animals and typically is linked to contamination by fecal material.

The government needs to take more serious steps to insure that something like this does not happen again.

Just think about it. What if the ground beef would have been distributed in Florida?

The Iowa recall of 5,200 pounds of ground beef is the first significant one involving ground beef since a Tennessee company recalled 4,300 pounds in early August, also because of possible E. Coli contamination.

People are told to check the establishment number inside the USDA mark of inspection. Because, if it has, “Est. 2424,” it may be contaminated.

This is a prime example that the government and related companies are not doing their job in ensuring the safety of its citizens and consumers.

Katrelle Simmons for the Editorial Board.