Made in China Update
Filed Under China, Commentary | Posted on August 6, 2007
American consumers and retailers continue to remain oblivious to the rampant abuse of human rights perpetrated by the repressive Communist Chinese regime both within and outside of China’s borders. At least we’re beginning to see some concern expressed about the dangers of products imported to the U.S. by Chinese manufacturers.
- Toothpaste made in China contained diethylene glycol, a chemical used in antifreeze. The FDA identified numerous brands as potentially toxic. Shipments of Chinese-made toothpaste were delivered to prisons and mental hospitals.
- About 1.5 million Thomas & Friends toys were recalled in June 2007. The toys, manufactured in China, contained lead paint, which is toxic and could cause illness in children.
- A Chinese-made folding lounge chair’s frame could collapse or fall backwards while in use, possibly causing injury.
- About 1.2 million Lasko ceramic heaters made in China were recalled in June 2007 because the cord could overheat and cause a fire.
- In May 2007, the FDA warned consumers that more than 6,000 pounds of monkfish imported from China may actually be puffer fish, containing a toxin called tetrodotoxin.
- In June 2007, the FDA announced it is blocking the import of five seafood species from China after “numerous cases of contamination”.
- Pier 1 recalled four types of Made-in-China glassware, which may crack or break unexpectedly causing cuts.
- In March 2007, contaminated pet food from China caused sickness and death in dogs and cats.
- In January 2007, U.S. Toy Company recalled more than 140,000 peices of children’s jewelry, which contained high levels of lead in the pendants and clasps.
Peter Morici, a business professor at the University of Maryland and a former chief economist at the U.S. International Trade Commission, says China is benefiting from a tilted trade balance with the United States that has allowed its manufacturers to run rampant:
[Beijing is] letting manufacturers do whatever they want without regulation to the point that it borders on atrocities. They’re basically producing poisonous products, selling them to their own people and then selling them on to us.
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