More on the Politics of Food Safety

As a follow-up to the post The Politics of Food Safety , the following videos represent the varying ways that the US and Chinese governments are responding to this crisis in food safety and consumer confidence.

It is important to keep in mind that while these videos primarily address the safety of Chinese exports, the issue of food and product safety is not isolated to a particular country. In this age of consumers with an insatiable appetite for low priced consumer goods and service, the risk that producers and manufacturers will take shortcuts to meet demand is great in every nation. The current food safety controversy should be a lesson to all consumers worldwide that they should take an active and informed role in protecting their safety.

In the following video Lou Dobbs discusses why the US farm bill which called for country of origin labeling more then four years ago has not been put into action.

The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is currently holds a hearing, "Diminished Capacity: Can the FDA Assure the Safety and Security of the Nation's Food Supply? -- Part 2." Rep. Jay Inslee (WA-01) gives opening remarks.

The following is a segment from a BBC news report about the adulterated food and drugs being manufactured in China for both domestic and global markets.

Chinese response to their internal food safety issues has been switft and harsh. China executed a former drug and food safety chief on Tuesday, July 10th for corruption. This is supposed to serve as a warning to officials amid a series of health scandals. His execution marked the first time China has imposed a death sentence on an official of his rank since 2000.