Seems as if there are some who are pushing COOL - Country of Origin Labeling. R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America wants labeling. Here's a copy of their letter to Congress. It may not be jingoism that motivates them; but I bet protectionism is.

In an opinion piece Diana Ernst of the Pacific Research Institute argues that the marketplace not government will solve food safety issues:

"When unburdened by government restrictions, food companies will devise their own methods of ensuring safe products in response to consumer demand, not Capitol Hill. Free-market methods will prove less costly and more effective than protectionist government mandates."

I'm inclined toward her way of thinking but know that consumers need to know now and consumers must keep pressure on free enterprise or else the problem will just go away until there are thousands more dead pets and perhaps thousands of dead consumers.

Steve Ettlinger could not have picked a better time to publish his book "Twinkie, Deconstructed: My Journey To Discover How the Ingredients Found in Processed Foods Are Grown, Mined (Yes, Mined), and Manipulated Into What America Eats" (Hudson Street Press, $23.95).

Here's a good review of the book along with a few of the ingredients of a Twinkie and where they come from. Did you know that Yellow No. 5 Food Dye comes from Benzene? That fact alone should make you gag.

Bon appétit!