The Courage to Criticize

Denis Stearns wrote a commentary on foodborne illness outbreaks and the key role criticism from the right people could play in preventing them. In the commentary, he discusses responses to particular outbreaks, including the public outcry, then states, "Notably absent, however, was any outcry from the juice manufacturing industry, the National Restaurant Association, or the public health officials involved in the outbreak investigations. And while I am not surprised at industry silence, I continue to be surprised when health department officials allow themselves to act as apologists, leaping to a company’s defense before an outbreak investigation has begun, or is completed."