The AMI titled their press release "American Meat Institute Tells Department of Justice Existing Antitrust and Competition Statutes Are Effective and Applicable for All Industries." The thing is, the laws on the books are good laws... and they aren't being enforced.
According to AMI's comments, the meat and poultry industry is one of the most intensely regulated industries in the economy, with arguably only the nuclear energy industry subject to as much daily scrutiny. Regulation and oversight have increased in the last two decades in response to new food safety issues, such as E. coli O157:H7 in beef and Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
"One could argue forcefully that the growing scientific knowledge base that leads to evolving food safety policies, and hence a much safer food supply, has also contributed to a more concentrated meat industry," said Mark D. Dopp, senior vice president of regulatory affairs and general counsel.
In other words, they say that if you want food safety, then you're stuck with a concentrated, anti-competitive meat industry. I totally don't buy that at all. Oh - and they would like all of their people to please be represented in the upcoming antitrust hearings:
In its comments, AMI also stressed the importance of engaging persons with specific, substantive expertise at each of the planned public meetings. AMI recommended that the nominated panelists be divided into four categories: packers/processors; legal/antitrust attorneys; finance/banking; and economists and academicians.
Noticeably missing from their categories? FARMERS. Doh! I'm sure the AMI will have no shortage of representation in the upcoming hearings. Let's just hope that those of us who want to see the market made more competitive and fair (including farmers!!!) are represented too. |
