US (NY): City school kids served vegetables from China
Records show that Mount Vernon-based Endico Potatoes supplies the frozen vegetables from the Far East — but could get them elsewhere if school officials asked.
“Sure, we’d find another source — we have plenty of customers that specify they don’t want products from China for obvious reasons,” said Rob Granucci, a company manager. “When you’re talking about a bid, cost is always a factor. It’s up to the person presenting the bid to tell us what they’re looking for.”
School officials insisted the frozen veggies are healthy and nutritious, but didn’t explain why they’re not buying locally.
Food safety experts pointed out companies in China are not as regulated as those in the United States.
“Vendors or producers are looking for ways to reduce their cost and do it by using chemicals illegally or cutting corners,” said Centre for Science in the Public Interest food-safety director Caroline Smith DeWaal.
Source: nypost.com
