OPINION: Food safety shouldn't be a political issue

Most of us rarely think about food safety until someone gets sick. Every grocery store visit, restaurant meal or weekend farmers’ market depends on a reliable system. Recent policy shifts by federal agencies are leaving gaps in our food safety net, and those gaps matter to all New Mexicans.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration made promising changes. The agency created the Human Foods Program, aiming for quicker responses to outbreaks, more efficient inspections and increased public trust. This was welcome news, helping to reassure the public that the food on their tables was safe to eat. Earlier this year, a second round of FDA restructuring led to a significant reduction in the number of federal food safety inspectors nationwide.

With federal support stretched thin, our state inspectors, regulators and public health champions have to step up. Unfortunately, this increase in local responsibility hasn’t come with the necessary and needed resources to be successful. Inspectors in rural areas, who are already managing heavy workloads, must now fill gaps left by our federal partners. Without adequate resources, there’s a genuine risk that contaminated food could reach local markets and restaurants unnoticed.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also changing its approach. Recently, the USDA began emphasizing industry self-reporting for meat and poultry inspections. While large producers in big cities may handle these new responsibilities easily, many of New Mexico’s smaller meat processors lack the resources for rigorous self-monitoring. If these smaller operations make mistakes, fewer federal checks mean a higher chance of unsafe products entering our homes.

These federal decisions not only stress state and local agencies but also erode public trust and impact our local economy. When people feel unsure about the safety of their food, local businesses suffer significant and sometimes irrecoverable losses. A single foodborne outbreak can close restaurants, discourage tourists and hurt local farmers markets. Rebuilding trust after such incidents is a slow, costly and challenging process.

To keep our families safe, New Mexico needs a clear plan. State and local leaders must commit to hiring and training more inspectors and food safety experts to ensure a safe food supply. This requires standardized roles across all regions and consistent training to ensure prompt responses in any event. Clearly defined responsibilities help local officials identify threats early, preventing problems from escalating into full-blown outbreaks.

Our elected representatives must firmly push the federal government to restore funding. Federal leaders need reminders about New Mexico’s unique agricultural landscape that supports numerous small and independent producers. Better federal-state communication helps to clarify roles, restore consistency in inspections and provide the necessary resources to protect our communities.

We need to strengthen our state’s public health systems. Upgrading current labs and strategically building others in key locations can expedite testing and help identify outbreaks more quickly. Better data-sharing technology and coordination between state health agencies and local clinics are essential. Communities equipped with rapid testing and clear communication are more resilient and safer overall.

Residents themselves play a vital role, especially in rural areas. Educating consumers about safe food practices, like proper cooking and handling, is crucial. Clear information empowers communities to protect themselves and their neighbors, fostering trust at the local level.

Food safety isn’t a bureaucratic issue; it’s about families and communities. Federal policy changes created risks, but also opportunities for New Mexico to step up. By investing in local inspectors and food safety experts, demanding federal support, enhancing public health resources and educating consumers, our state can ensure that food remains safe and public confidence remains strong. Our meals should be a source of nourishment, not worry.