China's reputation is buckling under news of food and product recalls

Jul 10 2007

The recent discovery of high levels of chemicals found in frozen fish and pet food exports exposes a flawed regulatory system in the country.

“This was bound to happen,” says Nancy Childs, Ph.D., professor of food marketing at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. “China, like many countries, lacks a coordinated and simplistic food regulation policy. What we have here are a multitude of infractions ranging from quality and hygiene issues to criminal adulteration.”

In recent months, China has come under fire for a number of violations. Toothpaste has been tainted with a deadly antifreeze agent; pet food containing melamine has killed a number of dogs and cats; lead paint has been used to paint children's toys; and toxins have been detected in seafood exports from the country.

Dr. Childs explains that increasing consumer demand for bulk products at incredibly low prices is partly to blame. “When you drive things to the lowest possible price in a developing economy with minimum standards, this is what happens,” she says.