An Ongoing Discussion: Alfred L. Wolf Case


Throughout the last few decades it seems that people have become increasingly concerned with where their food comes from. We want to know more about the food we put into our bodies. What's safe? What should be avoided? So discussion has been going on even before Giesselbach and Von Buddenbrock were arrested but cases like these help put everything into perspective. There have been dozens of articles about the case. Some think that the government isn't doing enough to prevent adulterated honey from entering the US market before it's too late. David Westervelt, a Florida state apiculture inspector commented on the case, saying, "Someday, some really harmful honey will be shipped to this country, and a lot of people will get sick or worse - and then the government will do something about it." As things are now the FDA has clear guidelines for how producers/ manufacturers should be labeling their products. Over 200 million tons of honey are imported to the United States each year and the government does not sample test every single shipment.
Numerous news outlets continued to write articles about Alfred L. Wolff and the investigation of the honey laundering scheme, often referring to them as "The Grand Honey Laundering Scheme" or "Project Honeygate", even years after the case was closed. Its safe to say that many people were shocked at the magnitude of the scheme. As for the verdict, many think that Stefanie Giesselbach definitely got what she deserved and that the punishment fit the crime.

@JustinStyve expressed his approval of Stefanie Giesselbach's sentence on twitter.

Others, who have read her book, feel sympathy for her. People admire her positive attitude and strength to move forward after she endured everything she went through. They also mention their disapproval of the American legal system and Alfred L. Wolff for letting her take the fall. Below are amazon reviews of Giesselbach's book written by German readers. (Translations may be off)












 In 2017 Netflix released a series of documentaries that talk about different problems in the food industry. The first episode, which focuses on the honey industry, brought the Alfred L. Wolff case back to the spotlight. It sparked a huge response on social media for months. People are starting question the reliability of retailers and producers. (shown in the tweets below)






If we can't trust the Government to protect us and we can't trust the market to be honest, who can we trust?


Soures:

Amazon Reviews: Meine Abgeschminkten Jahre: Wie Ich Im Amerikanischen Frauenknast... › Kundenrezensionen
https://www.amazon.de/Meine-abgeschminkten-Jahre-amerikanischen-Frauenknast-ebook/product-reviews/B01MSLWXVC/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_1?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&pageNumber=


In the World Of Honey, It's Not All Sweetness
Mike Hughlett - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-06-08-0806070026-story.html


Us Officials Crack Down on Chinese 'honey Laundering'
Catherine Angeles - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/4043733/US-officials-crack-down-on-Chinese-honey-laundering.html

Guidance for Industry: Proper Labeling of Honey and Honey Products: by The US Department of Health and Humans Services Food and 
Drug Administration
 
 


Comments

  1. Drew DestinNovember 16, 2018 at 7:35 PM

    I like your ending question as these issues point towards the solution of leaving it up to the individual to perform research on the products they are eating. I think it's easy to forget that what is defined as operating in legal measures is not often what may be considered to be the highest ethical standards. Your inclusion of Netflix documentaries is good as it highlights the importance that third parties have because unfortunately the days of relying on the government for this kind of honesty is just not likely anymore, as you noted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 16, 2018 at 8:18 PM

      Thank you, and I think people really need to continue to have these conversations with one another so that more people can be aware of what’s happening right under their noses. At the end of the day it is all about money to the government as well. So the people’s best interest isn’t necessarily their priority.

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The Alfred L. Wolff  company was unnervingly quiet about the incident after it made headlines. Only ever speaking up to deny any charges and not saying much more. According to an article written on bild.com, Alexander Wolff  was the chief executive at the time. He had conveniently made  his way back to Germany before any arrests were made, of the company submitted a statement concerning the indictments in writing saying, " These allegations are inaccurate and will be repelled by us by any legal means. As this is an ongoing process we are currently unable to comment on this process on the advice of our lawyers." This  comment was made back in 2010, and the response was appropriate at time as things were still unfolding. However, they should have taken more responsibility as a company, especially after hard evidence was uncovered linking 11 company executives including Wolff . Sometimes keeping quiet is the best thing to do until things die down but this wasn't one of ...
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