What Makes News

An 8.7 million pound meat recall affecting four US states was reported by CNN on Feb 9, 2014. The meat was assumed to be “unfit for human consumption” due to the lack of proper federal inspection by the FSIS. The FSIS believe the meat, including various beef and veal parts, could cause “serious, adverse health consequences or death.” According to the article, the products were produced and dispersed between Jan 1, 2013, through Jan 7, 2014 reaching four states including California, Florida, Illinois and Texas.

The news values that make this newsworthy are as follows: proximity, timeliness, unusualness, conflict, and impact. The fact that it is affecting California and took place throughout the duration of a full year poses a huge impact on us locally. The situation is still current because the meat has not been traced to each supermarket or distribution center. That being said, people can still be in contact with the “diseased meat” and not even be aware. This is an unusual situation unlike meat recalls in the past due to the large quantity and length of time distributed. The conflict here is the fact that the recall could have serious long-term problems stemming from the event. The report stated meat was “not fit for human consumption” and could “cause serious health consequences and even death.”

This story could be localized, and should be localized by tracking down the retailers that carried the meat between the dates of distribution. Once that is done, send out an advisory to the Bay Area and explain the seriousness of the recall. People should be aware so they could make an informed decision whether or not to continue to buy products that stem from this manufacture.     

Link:http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/11/us/graco-child-seat-recall/index.html?hpt=us_t2

WC: 285