I agree that one’s associations don’t define one’s principles. However, they do colour them. Hopefully this appointment is as positive as you have hypothesized.

However, the HAACP rules for the meat industry have done little to prevent outbreaks and recalls, even though they’ve facilitated recalls. What HAACP has done is hurt the small ranchers. In British Columbia our new meat regulations (HAACP based) have meant that people raising a few cattle on the side simply can no longer afford to do so — they can give away the meat, but they can’t sell it unless it’s processed in an approved slaughterhouse — and those are few and far between in our very large geographical area. Most have decided to sell their stock to mega ranchers. The days of local butchers and knowing where your meat comes from is virtually gone, with the exception of a few incredibly dedicated ranchers. It’s all mass market now.

HAACP is a great idea that in its application has gone bad.”

It’s HACCP not HAACP. At least get the acronym right even if your facts aren’t.