Birds Eye "C&W", for "California & Washington" frozen mixed vegetables: "Product of China".

[NYC_SKP]

Last night shopping for frozen veggies, I grabbed bags of veggies at a Safeway in the heart of America's food basket, California's Central Valley.



Labeled C&W for California & Washington.

Small print on back of bag, at bottom:

"Product of China"

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. interesting

[djean111]

2. Hey - at least they put that information on the label - look at this -

http://www.exposethetpp.org/TPPImpacts_FoodSafety.html

The TPP would require us to import meat and poultry that do not meet U.S. food safety standards.
The TPP would require us to allow food imports if the exporting country claims that their safety regime is "equivalent" to our own, even if it violates the key principles of our food safety laws. These rules would effectively outsource domestic food inspection to other countries.

Under TPP, any U.S. food safety rule on pesticides, labeling or additives that is higher than international standards would be subject to challenge as "illegal trade barriers." The U.S. would be required to eliminate these rules and allow in the unsafe food, or we would face trade sanctions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration already inspects less than 1% of all seafood imports for health hazards. Entering into the TPP with Malaysia and Vietnam, both TPP negotiating parties and major seafood exporters, would increase seafood imports and further overwhelm inspectors' limited ability to ensure the safety of our food. Some TPP countries have serious shrimp and fish safety issues. For example, even with the minimal inspections, high levels of contaminants have been found in Vietnam's seafood.

Under the TPP, food labels could also be challenged as "trade barriers." The TPP would impose limits on labels providing information on where a food product comes from. The TPP also would endanger labels identifying genetically modified foods and labels identifying how food was produced. TPP would expand the limits on consumer labels already included in existing "trade" agreements, like the World Trade Organization (WTO). But already under the WTO, the U.S. dolphin-safe tuna fish label and our country-of-origin meat and poultry labels have been successfully attacked by other countries. And, under TPP, a foreign meat processing or food corporation operating within the United States could directly challenge our policies that they claim undermine their expected future profits - meaning a barrage of new attacks.

But yeah, we should shut up about the TPP "because it is already being done".

[brooklynite]

3. Would "Product of Mexico" make you feel better? or "Product of Chile"?

Last time I checked, we were coming out of winter. Where do you think the fresh veggies you're eating come from?

[n2doc]

4. Actually, it would

Haven't seen melamine adulteration or pesticide related illnesses coming from those countries products. Since China is in the same hemisphere, seasonality isn't the reason for this.

As always, local is best. If that isn't possible, then choose wisely.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

5. Yup.

Of course, 'bagged' veggies generally are frozen, not fresh.

[Texasgal]

6. Frozen veggies are fresh? n/t

[NYC_SKP]

9. Yes, I would. For several reasons:

Here you go:

1. I don't care to further support the Chinese economy.
2. Their track record on the environment and food safety is abysmal.
3. Shipping food from thousands of miles away uses tons of fossil fuels and isn't sustainable.

Mexico is at least next door, and Chile makes sense for out of season produce (the seasons are reversed, you know).

But better still, buy American.

And, in the end, these are frozen vegetables, so time of year is inconsequential.

[Hekate]

35. +1 thanks

[Bluenorthwest]

10. How is a frozen product 'fresh veggies'? Why does it say Washington and California?

nt

[KoKo]

22. Package was MisLabled and "Fresh Frozen" means Fresh and not Trucked over the USA or from

China/Mexico.

Fresh Frozen does preserve some nutrients but one is better buying local..for the Freshists but studies have shown that "Fresh Fozen" can be better (depending on conditions) than TRUCKED fresh during heat waves and such. And certainly "shipped across Pacific Fresh" should be open to question along with conditions from Mexico long distances to some American Markets.

How would we know? but it perfect circumstances "Fresh Fozen" Containerized under consistent Standards...should be acceptable...over shipped Fresh for Long distances due to wilting that only a spray from your local grocer would 'Refresh."

Whatever...a balanced diet chosen discriminating consumers is the best solution. But....most families and singles don't have that time or background to be able to deal with that when everyone works 24/7 these days and Fast Food is so tempting....but the time to shop, prepare, cook...needs some energy and discriminating choices..of the buyer.

[PeoViejo]

8. Not to worry

The heat will kill the fecal bacteria from the compost they were grown in..wait, that's Organic...

[roody]

11. Who grows vegetables in compost?

And what compost has feces in it?

[PeoViejo]

13. The Chinese

Human waste has been used and is still being used to grow Vegetables. Many are sold here in the US. Garlic is one example I can think of.

It might not even be compost, but plain raw sewage.

[dixiegrrrrl]

14. Plain raw sewage would burn plants.

There is a reason that one uses "compost", which can have animal waste in it.
i make mine using our chicken bedding.
but you have to age the stuff for at least 6 months, a year is better unless you are really cooking the stuff.
Other wise it burns the crops.

[TwilightGardener]

12. I checked my Birdseye/CW frozen chopped spinach: Product of USA.

Also some frozen green beans from Guatemala. But yeah, I do recall seeing some "China" among frozen veggies at the store, will keep more of an eye on that.

[KoKo]

20. It's seasonal rotation...one has to check every damned label these days because the

spinach you bought when you did could be coming in from another country tomorrow and shift back again.

I don't think one package of any veggie...mixed or not from a foreign country (that we don't know what their pesticide use is) is going to hurt any of us...but, if one doesn't read labels these days...you could be getting more toxins in your diet than you might want if you are "Food Conscious Consumer" like many of us are.

There's much deception going on. Even in the Organics.

Buyer Beware...and ask!

[KoKo]

15. If you go to "Whole Foods" be sure to check their brand Frozen Veggies....

Last edited Sun Mar 30, 2014, 08:40 PM - Edit history (1)

It's an eye opener.

Had a "to doo" with a manager returning frozen "Mixed Veggies" that were China/Mexico...

Be Careful with "Organic from China and Mexico" wherver you buy. In desperation I buy it and cook it...but..with Drought in USA in many "growing places" and our emphasis on IMPORTS...our food is not what we think it is.

I am SO GLAD FOR THE LABELING! ....but...cooking with it..well...

Also our CSA Supplier here in my Southern State has had the COLD WINTER we've all suffered through to deal with. She does her Winter Crops in Greenhouses...but, she suffered from the Freezes and her reports to us are heart breaking.

South Carolina still can manage to grow Kale and Collard Greens and they are doing an interesting thing by washing and processing like CA Veggie Growers are doing...but this Winter has even hurt SC with Ice Storms and Freezes.

I'm going sort of Kale/Collards (starving Southern Populations..both Black and White survived on those crops) and they are now the "NEW THING" with the Gourmet Breakout Restaurants.

I'm going Middle Eastern for Garbonzo Dried Beans with Creative Spices and there are some other stuff I'm looking into because we will have to eat from China and Mexico and who knows where else...but agree....Birds Eye, Green Giant and other staples we depended on are NOW...OUTSOURCED!

READ THE LABELS...READ THE LABELS.......It's all different these days.

And....have you eaten the New Rotisserie Chickens which are great for busy folks who need that "Take Out"...where there's little "Dark Meat" and the day after you buy it to have a sandwich you NOTICE...there's "no veins in these chickens" and the meat looks CLONED!...It's Weird ...those Chickens...

Look I know how to cook Southern Friend Chicken...(soak it in Buttermilk before you roll in flour and spices) to FRY.

These Chickens are CLONED...they don't have blood or veins!

Seriously... I'm sure someone will alert me for "CT" violation about Cloned Chickens...but, damn It..I've been Frying Chicken since My Grandma Taught Me...and these Chickens are "not right." Not RIGHT....my Frying Chicken Culture has Taught Me..

[REP]

16. Cloned animals would still need a venous system to grow big enough to eat

Cloned animals are cloned as embryos, not full grown animals. Cloning chickens makes no sense; the costs involved with cloning are astronomical compared to traditional animal husbandry. And cloned animals have all the characteristics of the donor animal, including a venous system.

What's not right about these chickens is how they are raised, what they are fed, how many are injected with flavorings while still alive on the way to slaughter, the filthy slaughterhouses, etc. Go find a small farm with pastured chickens and buy one.

[KoKo]

17. They don't have Veins and Blood...Let me tell you...I've been cooking chicken since

my Grandma taught me and these chickens are manipulated, cloned, whatever.

You wait...investigations will come out....they are Cloned...bred for White Meat Only...even the legs and thighs are more white than dark. Tasteless...bloodless caged prisoners. Even the Organic, Un-Caged I pay Premium $$'s for ....

And ...those "Fast Food Products' and the "Cubed Chicken Bits from "Sysco Systems."

Whatever...

[REP]

18. That's not cloned

Cloned doesn't mean what you think it does.

[KoKo]

19. Bred for White Meat only and the stuff is weird....too uniform in texture...the second day

when the "injection spices" for the Rotisserie has faded out it's congealed and solid...and tasteless.

Hey...I know my food. Been cooking for too long not to observe the texture and flavor change and lack of "juices" to do gravy with. I only use Gravy from Jar because of the change in "juices"...blood/veins. sorry if I'm grossing you out about this.

[Codeine]

21. You keep using that word.

I don't think etc.

[KoKo]

24. Cloned/Manipulated...Bred for White Meat Only......Whatever you choose...

they look and taste "cloned to me." Have you ever seen those birds cooking on the store rotisserie?

Same exact size shape and color. Whatever it is...they are THE SAME! Nature doesn't work that way...

[Lancero]

38. cloning =/= breeding

[img][/img]

[Glimmer of Hope]

23. Sometimes I see oranges at my Safeway that are from South Africa.

[KoKo]

25. We've had a history in America of FRUIT from other Countries..which we accept

as an "exchange" ...although before the Housing Bubbles we could grow huge Orange Crops in Florida and California.

We have always gotten Bananas and Pineapples from other countries.......but...we've expanded and we need to be careful how they are grown and what pesticides are used.

But our Vegetables......mostly all were grown here in the USA...along with Salad Greens and Grapes.

There are always great imported foods..but, given differing Pesticide Laws...which we are starting to avoid here in USA because of our NAFTA and other minor Trade Agreements (under the wire) what conditions our exotic fruits and other are grown under might be filled with pesticides (unregulated) and fertilized with ingredients we wouldn't find acceptable under US Laws.

It's "Anything Goes" and "Going" these days. Buyer be ware.......As long as one eats in moderation...shouldn't be a problem...but, how do we REALLY KNOW...when another country is involved...how the product is grown...and in what soil with what fertilizer?

We have a right to know that. The newer Trade Agreements won't allow that. It will be "Copyright Infringement." The TPP/TPIP....as it goes.

[Glimmer of Hope]

37. I want to know! Scary stuff.

[doc03]

26. I was looking at a kitchen knife at Kitchen Collection

last week. In large print on the blade it said Quality German Stainless Steel, in very small print next to the handle Made in China.

[laundry_queen]

27. Where I am, this is a huge problem in some stores

I'm in Canada, and of course, being from Canada, we have to import a lot of produce. I'm used to seeing all kinds of out of season stuff from all over the world.

However. I do buy local as much as possible (we have a lot of 'hot house' type of farms popping up everywhere for things like cucumbers and tomatoes) but obviously, I cannot do that for everything. Still, I am pretty careful about checking out the package.

I went to our local health food store to buy some raw nuts. I chose a package that had Canada in the product name on the front and also said, "Canadian Certified Organic" from some Canadian certifying body. When I got them home, I was reading the back and in SUPER TINY print, in a lighter ink color, it said, "packaged in Canada. Grown in China" WTF?!?!!? I was so incredibly pissed and of course brought it to the attention of the health food store staff, who only had lame 'they still have to follow strict guidelines in China to be organic' platitudes to give me.

It's not just that it was grown in China - it's that there was a DELIBERATE attempt to mislead the public. They KNOW people don't accept Chinese grown food for the most part. So they TRY to make it sound Canadian (or in your case, American) and hope no one reads the fine print on the back. And they charge MORE because people buy it thinking it's a product from their own country. That has really made me mad and I refuse to buy that particular product anymore (or shop at that store anymore).

Luckily, 2 large grocery store chains in my area have made a concerted effort to be more 'local' and they put the country of origin in bold on everything fresh, and their packaging is pretty straightforward in their store brands.

[KoKo]

28. "Packaged In" and "Distributed by"....Code words of Deception in our Food Products...

and they are going to work to get rid of those labels bit by bit..as we go along.

We have to be aware. I've had your same experience. I start to feel I'm weird reading labels in crowded grocery aisles where there are folks who look at me like the "crazy" ...but, I darned well want to know where the products are coming from

I bought a bag of "Diamond Brand" Pecans...around Holidays and figured I was safe....Pecans are a product of Southern USA ....and same thing you saw. "Packaged in USA...product of China." Yes....China grows Pecans! They were Not certified Organic but "Whole Foods" sells frozen veggies and other products "Certified Organic" but READ LABEL...CHINA ORIGIN.

Who would have known???. Chinese Pecans? Maybe they are safer than the Southern USA Grown..and not grown near Bejing with the pollution but in some untainted remote part of China. But...given their huge population why are their own populations not making use of this product instead of exporting it to USA. Don't they already EXPORT ENOUGH to Us over Here? We have to send our Computer Waste back to them in the empty Shipping Containers....yet they are not only sending us Back Computers, Clothing, Housewares, Appliances, Fabric, Craft Goods, Shoes but now FOOD PRODUCTS?

[laundry_queen]

29. I feel the way you do

Doesn't China have enough Chinese people to feed? They can spare the land to feed North American too? wtf?

For a price, I guess.

But seriously, it's strange. It's all stuff you can grow HERE. There was actually a news program in Canada about this a few months ago...about how much garlic we import from China. GARLIC! Of all things! Something that THRIVES in our Canadian climate. Some guy in the NWT near Yellowknife decided he was going to start farming garlic (and other things he could grow that far up north) because he was so sick of it. I can totally see importing something you can't grow in your area - chocolate and coffee can only be grown in very specific climates - but importing something your country's climate could produce TONS of?

[tandot]

31. "Packaged in USA" is what I hate the most

because it can come from anywhere ... they just put it in bags or containers here.

The most deceptive thing is printing the land of origin in dark color on dark background. I was looking at a bottle of red grape juice a while ago and couldn't figure out where it was coming from. After several minutes I saw that they printed land of origin on the clear bottle in small black ink, which you could hardly see because of the dark grape juice. That has to be on purpose

[tandot]

30. I usually religiously check everything I buy for land of origin

never occurred to me to check frozen veggies ... I just assumed that it wouldn't be profitable to import frozen veggies, especially by a brand that calls itself C & W - California Washington

My C & W frozen broccoli are from Ecuador and my frozen corn is from the USA.

It is taking already way too long to shop for groceries, having to check Nutrition Facts Panels and Ingredient lists...

[Le Taz Hot]

32. CSA's

fresh produce and locally grown. I buy extra and can/freeze the overage that way I KNOW it was "made in the USA."

[NYC_SKP]

33. I get what I can from farmers markets, etc.,

And like to make big batches of cabbage soup with tomatoes, etc., and freeze containers of it for later use.

Out of soup and tired from a trip, I was grabbing these to throw together a quick chicken meal and with the nearest CSA 45 minutes away, that's was my choice.

We vote with out pocketbooks, so I try my best to pay more for local goods, including USA made shoes and clothes, etc.

[Le Taz Hot]

34. How funny!

We had cabbage soup tonight for din-din with produce from my CSA. I totally get it about grabbing whatever's handy. I recently dusted off my Rival Crock Pot (1975 era -- still working) and have been using that for dinners when I'm working.

That's too bad about your CSA being so far away. I lucked out and found one that brings my stuff to the Kaiser Farmer's Market every Wednesday -- only a couple miles from my house.

[Warren DeMontague]

36. On the other hand, I often eat "Chinese Food" from a restaurant that cooks it right there in the

kitchen.


But seriously, yeah, it sucks but it's not a bad idea to read the labels, especially after some of the shit with frozen berries from Turkey, I believe, and Hep A. At least frozen veggies are cooked before being eaten. But I try to stay as local as possible, for a variety of reasons.