Home » Today’s Food Newsbits: NY Times Notes Gross Neglect In US Meat Supply, Conde Nast Cuts Gourmet

Today’s Food Newsbits: NY Times Notes Gross Neglect In US Meat Supply, Conde Nast Cuts Gourmet

October 5, 2009 | By Jennifer Heigl

In an article published over the weekend, writer Michael Moss of the New York Times put a face to the ongoing failures of the U.S.D.A. inspection system. The article features the story of Stephanie Smith, a 22-year-old children’s dance instructor who survived a vicious E. coli experience that put her in a coma for nine weeks and left her paralyzed. Moss traces the route of the tainted meat before it finally reached Smith and her family in 2007 – and it’s not pretty. The disturbing facts highlight the lack of accountability, both in the U.S.D.A. and individual slaughterhouses and producers, as well as the unacceptable practices involved in the development and distribution of meat products.

You may even go vegetarian after giving it a read.

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As the publishing industry continues to struggle, magazine giant Conde Nast announced they’ll be shutting down publication on four of their top titles: parenting mag Cookie, wedding mags Elegant Bride and Modern Bride, and food glossy, Gourmet. According to the article from Crain’s, the 69-year-old Gourmet empire will continue to thrive through its book publishing, including the recent release of the Gourmet Today cookbook, as well as its television programming and online presence. Conde Nast’s sole entry in the food magazine world, Bon Appetit, will continue to be published.

“In this economic climate it is important to narrow our focus to titles with the greatest prospects for long-term growth,” [Chief Executive Chuck] Townsend said in the memo.

Editor’s Note: Both readers and writers alike are stunned by this morning’s announcement. Here is the original New York Times coverage, as well as a poignant post on the closing from food writer Rebekah Denn.

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In case you missed it, be sure to check out Food Renegade’s Fight Back Friday as well. A great collection of fabulous food links.

~Jennifer Heigl