The Washington Post reports that the Chinese government is blocking meat imports from a number of US companies, including Tyson and Cargill, saying that the processed meat products show some signs of contamination. This is just the latest such blockage by the Chinese, who have in recent weeks stopped US-manufactured health supplements, drink mixes and dried fruits from entering the country because of safety issues.
The moves, however, can also be seen in a political light, since Chinese food safety practices have come under broad attack in the US when it came to light that pet food ingredients imported from China contained the toxic chemical melamine and was responsible for the sickness and death of perhaps dozens of animals. Since then, toothpaste imported from China also has been banned because of safety concerns, and the scenario seems to be getting simultaneously broader and uglier.
The moves, however, can also be seen in a political light, since Chinese food safety practices have come under broad attack in the US when it came to light that pet food ingredients imported from China contained the toxic chemical melamine and was responsible for the sickness and death of perhaps dozens of animals. Since then, toothpaste imported from China also has been banned because of safety concerns, and the scenario seems to be getting simultaneously broader and uglier.
- KC's View:
