This year, so far, melamine has been found in Chinese originated: milk, infant formula, candies, yoghurts, and other dairy products, cream sauces, baked goods where dairy products are incorporated, some baking powers, and sex products. (And I think the question should be asked of breaded items, like fishsticks, where dairy may be incorporated.) Last year it was found in: flours, rice, pet foods, fish, fowl, and hog foods. Is there any doubt that the use of melamine is widespread in china?
Is there any question, that a global economy requires global inspection? Despite the daily struggles of those souls trying to stem the tide, is there any doubt we don’t have that?
Global (horrors!)
WAL-MART, SAM’S CLUB, WALMEX, SEIYU, CARHCO, ASDA, COTT, GREAT VALUE, SMART PRICE
Last year Wal-Mart made around 387 billion in US revenue alone – more than half the entire cost of the US bailout. Why is this megalith just now setting up new rules for Chinese suppliers? Surely they did that last year when we had the pet and farm feed scandal?
Last year the USFDA said it didn’t have the money to inspect shipments bound for the US at the source. This year, they are just getting ready to send inspectors to China and India!
Last year, the USFDA said they counted on the suppliers to inspect shipments. This week Wal-Mart is saying they are setting new quality standards!
The USDA is only checking around 1% of imports and counts on businesses like Wal-Mart to do the rest.
CAN YOU TRUST YOUR FOOD? BUYER BEWARE!!!
Wal-Mart sets new rules for Chinese suppliers
The Associated Press
Published: October 22, 2008
BEIJING: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, said Wednesday that it will set new quality standards for its suppliers amid a scare over toxic milk products that have sickened tens of thousands of babies across China.
Mike Duke, vice chairman of the company’s international division, said Wal-Mart was expecting “greater transparency … from our supplier partners” beginning next month.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/22/asia/AS-China-Tainted-Product.php
China
China arrests 6 over tainted milk scandal
The Associated Press
Published: October 24, 2008
BEIJING: China has arrested six more people for their role in supplying contaminated milk to the country’s dairy companies, as the health ministry said more than 3,600 Chinese children remain hospitalized after consuming compromised products.
The six suspects, who worked in the major dairy-producing region of Inner Mongolia, either sold melamine to milk suppliers or added the industrial chemical to milk themselves, the official Xinhua News Agency said Thursday.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/24/asia/AS-China-Tainted-Milk.php
South Korea
SKorea says melamine found in Chinese egg products
The Associated Press
Published: October 22, 2008
SEOUL, South Korea: South Korea said Wednesday the industrial chemical melamine was found in five egg products imported from China.
Melamine levels in an egg powder and four other products ranged from 0.1 to 4 parts per million, the Agriculture Ministry said.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/22/asia/AS-SKorea-Tainted-Foods.php
North Korea
The World Food Program is helping. I want to know if those shipments are melamine free! I don’t want to hear six months from now that NK just got used as a dump for contaminated food! Who does these UN intra country food inspections? Anyone know?
North Korean food crisis worsens
By Neil MacFarquhar Published: October 24, 2008
UNITED NATIONS, New York: North Korea is facing its worst food crisis in a decade, with a large shortfall expected this year, according to a new report released by the United Nations. At the same time, the number of children suffering from diarrhea has increased sharply.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/24/asia/north.php
I Own My Vote, PUMA, The Denver Group, Just Say No Deal
Grab and Keel 
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