Which Way, L.A.?
New Health Law Has Foodies Crying 'Nanny State'
A new state law says that chefs must wear disposable gloves each time they touch raw food. Despite the risk of food-borne illness, is this a case of over-protection?
A new state law has some of LA's finest chefs outraged. They'll have to wear disposable gloves every time they touch ready-to-eat raw food, what one calls the 'clay of her culinary sculpture.' Bartenders complain they'll have to snap on new gloves whenever they garnish a cocktail. Drinkers and diners do face the risk of food-borne illness, but is this a case of well-intentioned over-protection? We hear a debate. Also, why is historical preservation on hold in Los Angeles?
Later on To the Point, thirty-two states still have the death penalty, but it's getting hard to administer now that European companies are refusing to export the right drugs for lethal injections. Will that lead to fewer executions or a return to gas chambers, electric chairs and hangings?
Banner image: US Department of Agriculture
In this episode
2 storiesWill New Food Safety Rules Take the Artistry Out of Cooking?
In the interests of food safety, the state legislature has unanimously passed a law requiring cooks -- including the finest chefs -- to use disposable gloves whenever they touch ready-to-eat raw food. LA County will start enforcing it by next year.
Read the story12 minWhy Is Historic Preservation of Neighborhoods on Hold?
Twenty-nine Los Angeles neighborhoods, from Angeleno Heights to Vinegar Hill, have official restrictions on architectural change to preserve their historic character. Others have been declared eligible for protection. But development is continuing there unabated. In his own neighborhood, producer Gideon Brower found out why.
Read the story9 min