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UNITED STATES : Calls are growing in the US for stronger food import laws following reports of contaminated Chinese goods.
China has promised to test exported foods more carefully.
Americans love their pets. So it was with horror that American pet lovers learned as hundreds of dogs died from contaminated pet food.
The problem turned out to be a tainted ingredient - wheat gluten - from China.
Pet owners' outrage reached the highest levels of US government at the recent strategic economic dialogue with China.
"We believe strongly that we have to have a regulatory system that assures the American public of the safety and quality of food that is being imported into the US, whether that be from China or any other countries. In order to provide that assurance in US, we are asking China to work with us in many areas," said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.
The problem has widened, with the US warning consumers against toothpaste from China after some tubes contained a toxic chemical used in car engines.
"The reality of the situation is that we are in a global marketplace. Problems that would occur in the local regions or smaller sectors of the earth now occur across the globe. If you have a problem in one area, it can impact everyone on the planet," said Chris Waldrop at the Consumer Federation of America.
China has responded by proposing a new five year plan to regulate food exports.
But can China reverse the damage to the country's food safety reputation?
Americans will decide next year.
That's when a law, approved by Congress, will require food labels to list the country of origin.
"It could certainly impact the Chinese economy. But we feel that China needs to have similar food safety standards as the US does, if they are going to be able to import food into this country. So as far as consumers are concerned, they demand and expect it. If China or another country cannot meet those standards, then they should rightly be penalised," said Waldrop.
Singapore, for one, is taking strong action. It has already banned three brands of Chinese toothpaste.
But China is not the only one to blame. Consumer advocates said the American food safety agency is woefully underfunded and is not protecting the public. - CNA /ls
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