Along with the financial meltdown, food security seems to be on most of our minds. It’s rare that a week goes by without the media covering some type of food crisis. I suspect many of us were surprised to discover how a single event at a single plant can have such widespread effect. Larger still, was the recent event of a single food contaminant having catastrophic global repercussions. Shocked at the impact of these food crises, we’re also left feeling vulnerable and questioning the safety of our food supply.

Although two very different circumstances, these two incidents prove how intertwined our food system has become. Some days I think everything we eat is interdependent on a global level. Other days, I fear what product might next be affected by a food recall.

When it comes to resolving these issues, I don’t believe there is a single solution that can be implemented to safe-guard our food. The sheer size and scope of our food supply system is, in part, a problem. I wonder if returning to a smaller more local food supply system might make us less susceptible. It might be worth exploring if only to avoid these massive national and international incidents.

Mark Vickars
CEO, Choices Markets Ltd.