Living Food: Raising standards

Organic milk gradually has become an item of healthy choice for families in every income group. A beef recall may spur the same phenomenon for grass-fed, free-range, organic and various types of healthier meat.

The nation's largest meat recall is under way, thanks (and thank you) to the Humane Society of the United States. The HSUS documented animal mistreatment at a California slaughterhouse.

The revelation also uncovered the introduction of meat from possibly diseased cattle to school lunchrooms, nursing home dining rooms and family dinner tables. We do take comfort from a U.S. Department of Agriculture assessment of only a remote possibility that any human illness was caused. But the USDA, which pushed for the recall, knows the violation of rules regarding slaughter of "downer" cattle (in too bad a shape to walk) is a serious matter. The rules are intended to prevent illnesses in people, including the human form of mad cow disease.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association said the mistreatment isn't at all indicative of slaughterhouse operations. But the Humane Society's Wayne Pacelle told The Associated Press that this was a single, random investigation, so it's not clear if it's an isolated case. Other examinations, including the acclaimed book "Fast Food Nation," have raised questions about animal suffering and workers' conditions.

What is becoming clear to the public is that buying meat -- or any other food -- should involve knowledge of growers' practices. When it comes to a family's health, quality is worth the cost.