We did the FDA become so poorly run allowing all these tainted foods to get to so many Americans?!
Answers: The FDA is a poorly funded farce. It can be influenced very easily and it's done all of the time.
I believe it was when the politicians caved in to the corporate lobbyists in appointing the members of the FDA.
1. Resources (money & people) - determined by Congress
2. Huge increases in imported foods - determined by the U.S. market and profitability
3. NAFTA
4. Most contaminants can't be seen by the naked eye
This is like blaming the police when someone robs a store. We could have heavily armed police 24/7 on every corner, but that would be extremely expensive and there would still be crime.
Read more about what FDA does at:
http://www.fda.gov/default.htm
If you are unhappy with FDA's work, contact your Congressman and Senators.