Q & A with Bill Marler, managing partner of Marler Clark LLP:
Q: What is Food Safety News?
A: Food Safety News (FSN) is a daily online newspaper dedicated to covering food safety news–all the news that’s fit to eat! FSN writers will be reporting on everything from foodborne illness outbreaks to food politics to international food safety policy. We have bureaus in Seattle, Denver, and Washington, DC and have invited contributors from government, industry, academia, and consumer groups to share their viewpoints on food safety-related issues. It’s a one-stop shop for all things food safety.
Q: Why are you creating an online newspaper dedicated to food safety?
A: Though the top food safety agencies disseminate food recall and outbreak information, and state, local, and regional health departments make an effort to inform their constituents, there is no up-to-date one-stop place for food safety information. I’ve also been disappointed to see reporters on the food, health, and product safety beats lose their jobs to the fall of print journalism and the rise of consolidated media. I think food safety is an important beat to cover, especially as food policy issues begin to take center stage in our national discourse. FSN can offer a forum for discussion on these issues for consumers, industry leaders, and public health officials alike.
Q: Will Food Safety News be balanced in its coverage of food safety issues?
A: Yes, our FSN team is dedicated to ensuring we have balanced reporting. Our reporters will be reaching out to a variety of stakeholders and experts as they report the daily food safety news. We have also invited a wide variety of experts and food safety leaders to contribute to the site.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from Food Safety News?
A: Whether you’re a parent or a public health official, food safety is a pertinent issue. We hope readers will get their fill of food safety-related news from FSN on a daily basis. We aim to be the go-to place for anyone looking for information on the issues of the day, whether they pertain to foodborne illness outbreaks, recalled products, or food politics. FSN will have something for everyone. When there is something going on in the food supply, FSN will be serving up the top news.