You learn that the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is understaffed and overworked. State and federal inspectors do not require the peanut industry to inform the public - or even the government - of salmonella contamination in its plants. Disclosure is not mandated.
You also learn that Georgia, like 42 other states, contracts with the FDA to monitor its food factories. However, Georgia state inspectors are vastly under-funded. The state has only 60 inspectors to monitor its 16,000 food businesses. The state has capped the number of miles inspectors can drive on taxpayer money because of funding shortages. These caps hurt the thoroughness of the monitoring.
Moreover, the state is running a deficit. Businesses are closing. And there are other more, serious outbreaks of food-borne illnesses that have taken a toll on the state's ability to monitor Delectables' peanut factories. Goergia is, moreover, loathe to lean too heavily on businesses that are not embroiled in scandal lest they force them into bankruptcy. Government officials consider Delectables to be a major employer in Georgia, providing jobs to thousands of workers, and keeping the towns where the plants are located economically afloat. The company has been praised repeatedly by Mayors and by the Governor for keeping jobs in Georgia -- rather than farming them out abroad - as other food companies have done.
Questions on Part B
What role, if any, should government play in assuring food safety in the food industry in general? What role should Georgia play in assuring food safety at Delectables?
As you answer this question, please address the following:
• What challenges does government face in dealing with food safety issues in companies like Delectables?
• How should the state of Georgia think about its challenges in dealing with Delectables?
• How can government make companies more socially responsible?
• Or should the state let food companies regulate themselves? Why? Or Why not?