Eating meat Quote by Eric Schlosser
![“The spread of BSE [mad cow disease] in Europe has revealed how secret alliances between agribusiness and government can endanger the public health. It has shown how the desire for profit can overrule every other consideration. British agricultural officials were concerned as early as 1987 that…” quote by Eric Schlosser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fc1/eric-schlosser-3894_eating-meat_the-spread-of-bse-mad-cow-disease-in-eur_969123.jpg)
““The spread of BSE [mad cow disease] in Europe has revealed how secret alliances between agribusiness and government can endanger the public health. It has shown how the desire for profit can overrule every other consideration. British agricultural officials were concerned as early as 1987 that eating meat from BSE-infected cattle might pose a risk to human beings. That information was suppressed for years, and the possibility of any health risk was strenuously denied, in order to protect exports of British beef. Scientists who disagreed with the official line were publicly attacked and kept off government committees investigating BSE. Official denials of the truth delayed important health measures.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Food Revolution” (2008)
Secret ties between agribusiness and government can prioritize profit over public health, leading to dangerous suppression of risk information.
In simple terms: Profit can override health safety.
Key Takeaway
Demand transparency and prioritize health over profit.
Themes
public health
government
agri‑business
profit
risk suppression
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- food industry oversight
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
regulatory capture
ethical governance
food safety
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens hold corporations accountable?
- What safeguards prevent profit from endangering health?
A Different Perspective
Complex economic pressures can make reforms difficult.
