Safety and products from China
By Gina Spadafori
August 15, 2007
The New York Times editorial board calls for greater action from government and business — although strangely omits any mention of thousands of sick and dead pets in listing the problems revealed with Chinese imports. Aside from the tragedy this was to us pet-lovers — if we even can put that aside, as pet-lovers — omitting any mention of the deaths of these animals because they were “just pets” ignores the canary in the coal mine aspects of the pet-food scandal. Do you feel safe about your own food? I sure don’t.
What China needs is an effective and transparent regulatory system to enforce product safety standards. The United States and other countries can help with technical advice and warnings about what would happen if Beijing refuses to take it. But the dangers are too immediate to wait.
Right now it is the clear responsibility of companies that import Chinese products to guarantee their safety, and American regulators have to ensure they do it adequately. Neither is doing the job right now.
[...]American regulators, who are constantly playing catch-up, must also do a lot more to ensure the safety of Chinese-made goods, sending their own personnel to China to perform inspections of factories and test goods before they are shipped.
Unfortunately, the Bush administration, which disdains America’s regulatory system, has cut personnel and squeezed budgets at both the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, impairing their ability to monitor the quality of products made in China or, indeed, anywhere else.
At a time of ever-rising imports, the F.D.A. has lost hundreds of food scientists and field inspectors. And the White House is proposing cutting the agency’s budget next year, in real terms. The C.P.S.C., which sets safety standards for toys and many other consumer products, must inspect tens of billions of dollars worth of goods sold every year with only about 100 field investigators and compliance personnel. And it has suffered a 10 percent cut in its budget in the last two years.
Here’s the rest.
Dick Durbin was out again today voicing his concern and disgust over what has happened and is happening … I’m sure he’ll continue to take on this issue but it’s doubtful that anything will get done before September (yes, that’s me being optimistic, that is, thinking anything will be done next month) while Congress and the White House take the month off courtesy of the taxpayers’ money.
Comment by Sandy — August 15, 2007 @ 8:08 pm
Most telling in the pet food recall Congressional subcommittee hearings was the part where we found out that the FDA top office spent an ear marked $10 million that was intended for food safety instead on FDA top staff bonuses.
Comment by Dennis — August 15, 2007 @ 9:30 pm
The ball is definitely rolling.
“…With Chinese imports totaling $288-billion last year, consumers are beginning to ask is enough being done to protect them…”
Imagine what we could do in the U.S. with $288 billion. For starters, we could actually afford an effective, working-not-broken FDA!
Don’t you wonder what the true cost is to U.S. citizens to do “cheap” business in China counting up the exhorbitant medical costs to treat all the maladies created by toxic product.
Worries Mount Over Items Made In China
CBS4 (Miami)
http://cbs4.com/local/local_story_227110134.html
Comment by Nadine L. — August 16, 2007 @ 2:06 am
On my local news, there was a segment about lead self-test kits flying off the shelves at hardware stores around the area as moms scurry to test their kids’ toys for lead.
With the unrestrained flow of toxic products allowed into our country uninspected and the tainted garbage we produce ourselves, I think Exper-Tox Labs should create the “Family Plan,” where we can send in a set number of products we want tested per month for a flat rate. The other option we have, since our government continues to cut our regulatory agencies’ budgets and seems to favor big business over human health and safety, is to invest in a family-size mass spectrometer that tests for all toxins. (Or what ever the name of the machine is that can tell the materials a product is comprised of)
I’m hoping for some major sales slumps during the holiday shopping madness that will start in a few months. 80% of toys are imported from China. Walmart’s stocks should take a dive now that more and more people are aware of the dangers to children.
With mothers across the country now mad at lead in baby bibs, toxins in mouthwash, antifreeze in toothpaste, lead in children’s jewelry and toys, and the contamination of who knows what part of the 98% of items NOT INSPECTED before being put on store shelves, maybe there will be more visible outrage and action over the hazardous wastes called consumer products we let enter this country.
When pet parents’ “kids” and human parents’ kids are exposed to harm, anger and action of UNKNOWN PROPORTIONS result!
Comment by petlover — August 16, 2007 @ 6:26 am
SENATOR DODD CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE BAN OF CHINESE PRODUCTS AND FOOD
I saw him on CNN’s clip about this yesterday.
http://chrisdodd.com/SuspendChineseImports
Comment by petlover — August 16, 2007 @ 7:02 am
I happened to catch Peter Navarro on Book Talk and he was addressing the problems with China. His book is The Coming War With China (think that’s the name) and he was right bang on with many of the comments he made. He’s a business economic prof in California. Thought I might check out his website peternavarro.com and see what else he has to say. It’s simply beyond belief ~ every day there’s a new toxic problem that comes to light. And it makes me wonder about all the problems that never do make it to the public awareness.
Comment by catmom5 — August 16, 2007 @ 7:38 am
Imported poison is not good , giving more money and power to an agency like the FDA that has gone rogue to the extent that the Senate and Congress cannot even get documents from them is worse.
You do not train a dog by giving it hugs and treats when it pees on the floor and you do not get the truth or protection from an agency that is not only corrupt but bad at basic science by tossing money and power to them.
The job needs to be done, the FDA aint the bunch to do it. The poison has flowed into this country for years, no one would even know about it if not for our pets and their sacrifice.
Every screaming mommy who worries about her child needs to remember that the FDA is just as willing for her beloved child to go under the knife as an offering as they were to let our dead pile up uncounted. And even a dead or damaged for life child will not buy you the truth from the FDA.
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 16, 2007 @ 8:24 am
We shouldn’t have to buy anything like the lead sticks. the Gov. should . Think of the children who have so many problems in school now. I wonder why? Lead and pesticides, and who knows what else. Mattel and fisher Price will never be bought by Me again. I might give the kids gift cards or something. I will try to find some made in the USA things. They are out there.
And yes, Gina, I am constantly scared to death of what We are eating.
We all need to get in touch with Sen Dodd and tell Him We support Him all the way.
Comment by Trudy Jackson — August 16, 2007 @ 8:53 am
Here is a website I found awhile back that advertises made in USA products. I did a search on “toys” and there are quite a few American companies to buy from.
http://www.madeinusa.com/index.shtml
Comment by Elaine — August 16, 2007 @ 9:03 am
Elaine, thanks, i’m keeping that. Yeah!
Comment by Trudy Jackson — August 16, 2007 @ 9:20 am
Not only is there no safety in food, human
or pet but it has been that way for a long, long time.
Slow poison, fast poison, known toxins, unknown toxins and evidently, a lot of DRUGS and NOTHING will convince me that the FDA did not know this.
If the FDA knew and did nothing, in fact helped cover up, a pattern more plain than any real concern on their part for the people who foot the bill, is REWARDING this behavior smart?
And in the unlikely event that the FDA was not just complicit, but an eager and willing partner in crime, in the event that they were just wandering about as innocent as a babe in the woods?
THOSE ARE THE MORONS YOU WANT IN CHARGE??!!
Throwing good taxpayer money after bad, is that the answer?
Has it EVER worked? On ANY problem?
Since the poisons have been here a while, in everything, how about we SOLVE the problem instead of asking liars for answers?
I want to know what killed the pets, you might have concerns about your food, we all want and need to know what is ALREADY in us and our food and if you plan on trusting the FDA then you are fitting yourself and your loved ones for a dirt nap.
Dealocrats OR Repugnant, makes no nevermind which set of scroundrels are in office,
it has been going on too long. We have known, here on this blog and others, for
HOW MANY FREAKING MONTHS!?
The FDA monitors this blog and the sole response of the FDA to the staggering pain and loss and pleas and death and sickness and unending stress and betrayal has been a KNIFE IN THE WOUND ON A DAILY DAMNED BASIS
AND DON”T YOU FORGET THAT!!!
The FDA did not even have the balls to lie to your face , once they got caught all shifty eyed on camera they switched to audio mode lying.
If they were gonna go all noble and you know, do the job we pay them to do, grudgingly
and save the nation? they could have started with us and our pets. Instead the FDA started in ON us and lied and spun and abandoned us and our pets.
Deliberately, on purpose, they meant to do it, it was “official” policy as “official ” as the 16 dead and our dead that they refused to count.
The FDA sure as hell COULD go count the pets suffering NOW, those that will suffer
damage for the rest of their lives. THAT might give a far truer picture of the scope
of the poisoning and the numbers in money that this has cost , is going to cost, pet parents
, nevermind the grief because the FDA sure does not mind our grief and the FDA CANNOT LET THAT
TRUTH OUT AND SURVIVE WHAT THEY DID TO US.
Are they? is the FDA finally making an effort to contact vets, get testing done
and unleash the truth?
Since the Senate and the Congress cannot even make the FDA produce documents what makes you think any amount of money will get any degree of safety from the FDA?
Trusting the FDA is more lethal than anything from China and we have all known that for
some months now.
So, no, I am not in favor of more money and power going to the FDA.
The FDA should operate , under court ordered supervision, until new systems can be put in place. Period.
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 16, 2007 @ 10:49 am
E said;”The FDA should operate,under court ordered supervision,until new systems can be put in place.”
I agree 100%! The FDA has been around for how long? what have they accomplished? other than giving money designated for safety issues away as big raises. When it isn’t working,you sure don’t give it more money.
Katie
Comment by Katie — August 16, 2007 @ 11:45 am
http://www.consumeraffairs.com.....lls64.html
Go Don GO!
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 16, 2007 @ 11:55 am
Don’t you wonder about your pet’s plastic toys?
Many of my friends have tiny dogs. Finding tiny ssqueak toys is not easy, so when I do see them I buy a bunch and put them away. I’ve got a bunch I bought from last December, waiting to be gifted to a pet.
Sure enough, a friend’s Yorkie became very ill after eating half a dozen plastic coated rubber bands used to hold pony tails. Major, major surgery.
So this calls for a gift. Out come the little squeak toys. I look on the back and read “Made in China.” Not good.
I go to the major hardware store and am taken to the display of home test kits. Only one left of the shelf for “lead.” Salesperson says they can’t order enough. Selling like hotcakes.
I buy it. Then I hear that these kits aren’t reliable.
Not taking any chances. I’m making cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts from Gelson’s.
Uhhhhhh - no problem with chicken lately, is there?
Comment by Lynn — August 16, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
The FDA has been around for how long? what have they accomplished? other than giving money designated for safety issues away as big raises. When it isn’t working,you sure don’t give it more money.
Katie
Comment by Katie — August 16, 2007 @ 11:45 am
It’s accomplished quite a bit, actually, over the decades. The current administration’s complete politicization of absolutely everything, is not, in fact, “politics as usual.”
Previous administrations on both sides of the aisle have certainly meddle from time to time, but they didn’t reject the whole idea of science as real knowledge, or of policy independent of politics. They wanted to help their friends, they wanted to line their own pockets—but they recognized limits on how far they could go.
Comment by Lis — August 16, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Our government needs a complete overhaul and soon, but if we continue to put the same kind of jokers in office all we’ll get is more of the same. After all the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
If there are laws on the books stating that corporations are responsible for the goods that are imported, why are these laws not being enforced? Who enforces them? Inquiring minds want to know.
Comment by Carol — August 16, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
The folks who caught up to that candy a$$ Vick and got the goods on him and the others might be of service in tracking down any of the recall folks who should be wearing handcuffs. Seems they know how to get the truth, far better than the FDA and have the get it done part down a whole lot better than FEMA- that agency deserves some more money. And the power to close or seize any business that kills pets, THAT would clean some problems up, wouldn’t it?
Nah, too easy.
But didn’t the whole Vick deal say that running a business of the pet killing was bad? Gruesome was a word used, I do not see how they can prosecute Vick and not some of the pet food importers.
A branch of the government that works well enough to DO THE JOB?, stop the presses. I want to hear a lot more about that fine agency! Less of the Vick really weird hero worship thing, creeps me out, more about the HEROES who nailed him.
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 16, 2007 @ 1:33 pm
It’s hard to believe that people (sportscasters included)want Vick to return to football! Using the excuse that “other sports figures have committed crimes and have not been penalized to this extent” and/or “it’s just dogs”! The fact that others haven’t been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law has nothing to do with the case at hand. I’m sure he’s trying to save his career, but perhaps a better course of action would have been NOT PARTICIPATING IN DOG FIGHTING! Is football some kind of god? What has to happen before people see reality?
Comment by Carol — August 16, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
Menu Foods just sold a factory.
It was owned by Iams,until 1999, then it was bought by Procter&Gamble, who sold it to Menu Foods, who just sold it to Mars.
Something about this seems like financial hanky panky to me.
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 16, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Comment by Sandy — August 15, 2007 @ 8:08 pm
“Dick Durbin was out again today voicing his concern and disgust over what has happened and is happening (…) but it’s doubtful that anything will get done before September (…)”
Nothing will be done while this Congress is still in office. That’s at least through January 2009. The Dems that would vote for needed change in the FDA/USDA do not have enough votes. Period. Bush would veto anything they passed and they cannot override his vetos because the Republican congress is in lockstep with him.
Comment by Maureen — August 16, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
It’s not only the Chinese manufacturers who are to blame — excerpt from the Washington Post
“While Chinese manufacturers are bearing the heat over recent toy recalls, toy designers are getting the blame for some of Mattel’s Tuesday recall….”
http://tinyurl.com/2oxggs
Mattel’s latest recall related to magnets applied to toys made from 2002 to January 2007, before it designed a better system for securing these super magnets in its toys. These rare-earth magnets can be 20 times more powerful than the average refrigerator magnet.
Comment by shadepuppy — August 16, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
Hey Maureen, Sadly, I’m afraid you’re correct. I’d like to be hopeful but unless we impeach all at the top (seriously—Bush, Cheney, Gonzales at the very least), there’s not much hope. Sandy
Comment by Sandy — August 16, 2007 @ 8:14 pm
p.s. In addition to the veto, as you noted, Bush also uses illegal and unconstitutional “signing statements” saying he’s not required to follow the law(s) he just signed. (He has done this at least 1,000 times that we know of.) It’s a very dark time for this nation.
Comment by Sandy — August 16, 2007 @ 8:16 pm
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/st.....id=5565762
Tainted Treats Suspected in Dog’s Death
By David Henry
August 15, 2007 - A Delaware County woman says her dog died after eating dog treats made in China.
Wal-Mart has quietly pulled a made in China dog treat from its shelves. However, there has been no public announcement, and there’s no telling how many contaminated bags of treats may still be out there.
Kate Collins of Aston still finds it hard to talk about. She loves her Chihuahuas. She has two now, but her youngest is gone. Two-year-old Bella died suddenly last month after eating Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips.
Bella was dead within a week. The other dogs didn’t get the same treats and they’re fine.
The animal hospital did an autopsy and found that Bella died of an infection caused by toxic bacteria.
Kate bought the treats at the Wal-Mart store in Boothwyn. She said it took her days to find a manager willing to talk to her.
Wal-Mart would not say how many complaints it has gotten, but an Internet search shows similar incidents across the country.
The company has issued a statement saying it cares about people and their pets, and ordered the treats removed from the shelves of all stores. Wal-Mart has since offered to reimburse Collins for up to $2,000, which, she said, doesn’t come close to covering her loss. She also said it’s not about the money. She just wants to get the word out.
The Food and Drug Administration is apparently unaware of this latest problem with pet food from China. A recall has not been issued. They failed to respond to our inquiries. Wal-Mart said if you have the Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips at home, you can return them for a full refund.
Comment by Carol — August 16, 2007 @ 8:57 pm
Comment by Sandy — August 16, 2007 @ 8:14 pm
“unless we impeach all at the top (seriously—Bush, Cheney, Gonzales at the very least), there’s not much hope.”
But it has to be Cheney BEFORE Bush, otherwise if Bush goes first, Cheney will be left in power. And THAT is a TRULY frightening prospect.
Comment by The OTHER Pat — August 17, 2007 @ 6:27 am
Regulation in China? Yeah, that’ll be the day…
Right after they allow workers to form unions.
We have more of a chance to find Bush’s military records than that ever happening.
Bernie
Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski — August 17, 2007 @ 8:22 am
Menu Foods just sold a factory.
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 16, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Is it time yet to take bets as to which major company will be buying the remainder of Menu Foods’ facilities?
Months ago I wrote on the blog as to how this could have all been set up by the Income Fund shareholders to recoup their former inevitable losses. At least THEY will get their money back. Sounds like a good New York Times bestseller.
Comment by Nadine L. — August 17, 2007 @ 11:23 am
E said: ”The FDA should operate,under court ordered supervision,until new systems can be put in place.”
I agree wholeheartedly. The court orders supervised visits and ongoing reporting in the case of abusive parents. As the deemed Federal food and drug caretakers of our nation, the FDA has outrightly and unapologetically abused the people of the United States. There should be supervision by an appropriate, knowledgeable and sensitive independent citizen advisory board.
It is my opinion that our government acting alone may never again be trusted by its people to protect us or to honestly look after our safety and welfare. I don’t think it CAN any longer. The Corporations are in control.
Sadly, MONEY is in power, MONEY is king. Whatever happened to the values America was founded upon? The Americans need to govern America. Not China.
Comment by Nadine L. — August 17, 2007 @ 11:50 am
If enough people support Don Earl maybe we can get that court order for the FDA but all the experts and all the pet parents are gonna have to band together to do it.
http://www.petfoodrecallfacts.com/legal.html
Heck, if everyone who lost a pet, or had a pet fall ill wrote a letter in support that might help.
It would take all of us.
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 17, 2007 @ 11:55 am
E. - Well…let’s.
Comment by Nadine L. — August 17, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
Uhhhhhh – no problem with chicken lately, is there?
Comment by Lynn — August 16, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Lynn, depends if you’re using the mela-chickens that were fed the melamine-tainted feed…..Im not so sure any of us knows whats in our food anymore.
Comment by Sandi K — August 17, 2007 @ 1:19 pm
Menu Foods just sold a factory.
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 16, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Hey E., do you know where you read that at about Menu Foods selling a factory, do you have a link or can you tell me where you saw that at? I want to read it. Thank you!
Comment by Sandi K — August 17, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
RE: “Uhhhhhh – no problem with chicken lately, is there?”
Comment by Lynn — August 16, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Unless you don’t mind feeding ‘arsenic’ to your pets. Just because we haven’t heard/read anything on problems w/ Chickens ‘lately,’ it doesn’t mean problem’s don’t exist.
Do a google search for “Arsenic in Chicken” and you get 66,222 results…the most recent being April 9, 2007:
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/govern.....5gov2.html - I doubt this practice has ceased since then.
Foster Farms Chicken Tests Positive for Arsenic
A recent study conducted by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy revealed that Foster Farms chicken products contain arsenic, an agent known to cause cancer. Across the United States, 70 percent of chickens are fed arsenic to promote rapid, unnatural growth and to combat the unsanitary living conditions of birds raised for meat. Learn more about the presence of arsenic in Foster Farms chicken meat and other poultry products…read more:
http://www.fosterfacts.net/wst_page9.html
Comment by Barb — August 17, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
26 mill for menu Foods
http://tinyurl.com/392rrz
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 17, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Thought you might be interested in knowing that PFI is going to have their annual industry meeting in October in D.C. Maybe someone could add some mela-meat to their breakfast and lunches. The schedule shows Dr Stephen Sundlof is going to speak, sure wish Christy could go and ask a few questions.
And on top of that, they have come up with an acronym for the pet food recall, its called MARC according to PFI, melamine and related compounds (MARC) recall” . This all courtesy of PFI’s website….
Comment by Sandi K — August 17, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Comment by E. Hamilton — August 17, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Thanks E!
Comment by Sandi K — August 17, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
Mars will now self-manufacture its Royal Canin & Nutro foods.
Comment by petlover — August 17, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
Comment by Lis — August 16, 2007
“It’s accomplished quite a bit, actually, over the decades. The current administration’s complete politicization of absolutely everything, is not, in fact, “politics as usual.” “
Exactly, it is not an issue of a rogue agency, it is the issue of a rogur administration. The FDA is part of the Executive Branch of the government and it is doing EXACTLY what the White House wants it to do. The White House appoints the political hacks that run the agency and they do its bidding. Stop blaming the FDA and address the real problem, a rogue presidency that is the pawn of international corporatism and in bed with the communist government of China.
Comment by MFEMFEM — August 17, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
MFEMFEM is right….communist China. COM-MU-NIST. Can you imagine if RUSSIA had as much power over us in the cold war days as China does now? Give up your freedom to the Reds? This is what is happening now. It’s not a cold war. It’s a subtle war.
Maybe someday China will just walk in and take over and Bush can be their “Walmart greeter”.
I can’t wait to see what will happen to China’s Olymics. I plan to boycott watching them…for the first time. Even the atheletes won’t show up until the last minute because the air is so polluted they don’t want to hurt their bodies or chances of winning.
China = communism = misery.
Comment by Sindy — August 17, 2007 @ 7:43 pm