Note From a Food Inspector

I’m tired of the media and newspaper people putting down the USDA. I’m referring to your article “Consumer Advocate to USDA” (April 8). In the article the reporter refers to “the beleaguered meat and poultry inspection program.”

I’m a USDA food inspector in the L.A. area and we have been taking a lot of heat because of this E. Coli outbreak. We see that the product is safe, wholesome and properly labeled. We also have a lot of other responsibilities. What you people are leaving out is the part about the county health inspectors. It’s these people who monitor restaurants and make regulations for cooking food. This is the most critical point I feel because this is where people put the food in their mouth. I’m very proud of our agency and just had to get it off my chest.

JOHN PATINO

Inspector in charge, Montebello