Before I further deepen my desire to relocate to a seemingly wonderful place like Uruguay there are several key elements I need to be critically aware of. Hopefully someone(s) will be able to respond with certainty, through personal/professional 1st hand experience.
Things I'm most concerned about of course stem from my experiences living in US. These are:
*FOOD... Claims that "the food is natural, wholesome and good" in Uruguay sounds inviting, but doesnt say anything about the integrity or nutritive value of what im eating , or serving, should i open a restaurant.
In the US, any food can be labeled "natural" by USDA. But farmers can douse their crops with chemicals, pesticides, etc. and even with Genetically Modified seed,which is a shocking pnenomenon altogether. It is legal in the USA to officially label a food item natural, when is in fact toxic.
I dont hear anything among expats or nationals on the subject of food grown completely in line with the principles of nature; chemical and GMO free produce and animals raised humanely without use of growth hormones. Perhaps equally important is a twofold issue, that which involves GMO GIANT, MONSANTO.
Monsanto is among the top 2 or 3 GENETICALLY MODIFIED seed producers in the world and controls 80% of the global seed market. They've recently produced and released their GM, chemical-resistant alfalfa, in which of course they want to ensure every cattle farmer uses. I've come to know Monsanto has operations offices in Montevideo. You make the connection. So this of course is paramount importance to me, raising a family and starting business which involves feeding people.
*CONSUMER PROTECTION...Does Uruguay employ an agency that potects consumers and citizens from predatory acts of sales and marketing of products and services?
Regarding the food & agriculture industry, is there a "controller of agriculture" and/or a food and drug enforcement agency that might operate opposite than the corrupt, criminal USDA and FDA?
*VACCINATIONS...Are people-children in particular-required to submit to a panel of vaccinations in order to meet certain political requirements and/or enter shool? If so, what or how is the best way to avoid legislation on this issue, i.e., personal or religious factors?
*BUSINESS...Does any community in the country provide permits for street food vendors that enables a food business to serve food to customers, either on the street from a certified vehicle, either independent of an event, or at an event such as a concert, market or any other attraction? What would be the customary steps to take in arranging this type of business?
*WATER...I have been told the water in Uruguay is clean and drinkable from the tap. Does any district in the country fluoridate the water supply?
*HEALTH...What types of illnesses and diseases are common in Uruguay? Do many children present with ADD or Autism? Are there many cancer patients or is obesity a major health concern? Do patients have the right to natural medicines and procedures which the government and medical establishment supports?
What is the quality of the Emergency Medical System? Where are critically injured trauma patients taken for treatment and are there advanced trauma teams employed, i.e., flight rescue Paramedics?
Thanks in advance for your replies.