FDA warns of more melamine-tainted products
Last week, Chinese officials issued a statement that the issue of melamine-food products is resolved. End of the story.
Well, not quite. As a fellow BOL blogger wrote a few days ago, more and more tainted products have come to light.
The US FDA must have their hands full with the problem. Just a few days ago, the regulatory body issued a health advisory warning against the Taiwanese-made Mr Brown coffee and milk tea.
Thanks to international cooperation, health officials in other countries are sharing information to warn the international community of tainted products they detect. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority, for example, reported a positive melamine test for White Rabbit Creamy Candies imported from China.
In addition, the FDA is also tightening the labelling of imported food products. It is proposed that products refused or rejected entry in a US port be labeled clearly as such. When products are refused entry to the US, they should normally be destroyed.
Some food importers try the so-called “port shopping” strategy of importing – trying to get through another port with less stringent checks. By clearly labelling refused products on official documents as well as on the shipping container, port shopping is avoided. Furthermore, other countries will also then be privy to the import status of the product and can carefully conduct checks of their own.
The problem of melamine-tainted products will cost Chinese companies and multinationals with Chinese subsidiaries millions of dollars. Under the FDA proposal,
“all owners or consignees of refused food would be required to affix a label to the shipping container that reads: “UNITED STATES: REFUSED ENTRY” in clear, conspicuous, print.
Let’s hopethat this proposed labelling will deter unscrupulous import companies from dumping tainted products in ports and countries with less vigilant or dishonest food safety. authorities.
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