Did you ever think there could be a police crackdown against raw food? It's a reality, and right here in Los Angeles. In fact, the police are taking "heat" (pun intended) for one "crackdown" that's back in the news. The story of the "bust" itself last summer was already an insult to our freedoms, but reading about how the "bust" went down is even more outrageous. According to Stuart Pfeifer, writing in the Los Angeles Times, it took ten law enforcement and regulatory agencies, hundreds of investigation hours, covert agents making "raw food buys," and even hidden surveillance cameras to bring about the arrest of an organic farmer, her assistant, and the operator of a health food store in Venice California.
That's a lot of fuss over some raw goat milk, cheese and yogurt.
The story about the bust last summer appeared in The LA Times, and realfoodrights.com has lots more info. Note; I love their name but "realfoodsrights" is not affiliated with my restaurant Real Food Daily, and we do not buy any products from them.
The three people arrested are out on bail and scheduled to go to court in December. The case makes me think of the things we take for granted. Basic freedoms: reading, traveling, entertainment, eating. Our freedom to eat and share food is not a given. As this raw milk story illustrates, it may land you in jail. The police have shut down food markets and raided stores -- just because of the food they carry. Even sharing food is encountering opposition from the authorities.
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