Jacqueline Fennell, Leeds, Grenville Landowners Association
Monday, March 5, 2007
Is the Leeds Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDH) aiding and abetting corporate Canada's food contamination cover up? It is apparent in the actions of the last 6 days that LGLDH is aiding Natrel (a division of Agropur) in keeping secret the severe illnesses brought on by consuming Natrel's dairy products.
On Wednesday February 28, 2007,Cardinal residentDiane Hampton contacted the LGLDH to report contaminated milk. Mrs. Hampton had purchased 1% "Natrel Pure Filter" milk and soon after drinking the milk she began experiencing significant painful symptoms and serious illness. Samples of the milk and packaging were dropped off at the Brockville Health unit office that same day.
Six days later, the samples of milk are still sitting in a freezer in the Brockville office. They are "waiting for the lab to tell them what to do with the samples" according to health unit officials. Health Unit officials explained to Mrs. Hampton it was probably due to contamination by the chemicals used "to clean the milk tanks." The contaminated milk has the smell and taste of manure, not chemicals.
What makes this event even more disconcerting is that the Health Unit has neglected to advise the public of the potential dangers, while consumers continue to purchase this product. It is unknown how many others may have become ill while this information remains hidden from the public.
There are no warnings or advisories listed by Natrel or the CFIA on their websites. This is either a result of the incompetence or neglect by LGLDH to contact federal officials, or the failure on the CFIA to post them.
The Leeds & Grenville Landowners have two samples of this same contaminated milk and are expecting independent lab results early this week. Out of concern for public health safety, LGLA will ensure that test results are made public as soon as they are received.
It is apparent that the Health Unit is intent on protecting corporate Canada while continuously harassing small food producers and farmers markets. If the Health Unit would stop attacking farmers markets and muzzling its board members, they could focus their attention on real issues that are truly affecting public safety.
Jacqueline Fennell
President, Leeds, Grenville Landowners Association
613-658-2724
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