On one detail: Many dogs did indeed get sick from eating food made with the contaminated wheat gluten, and a number of them died.  And it was a very painful and drawn-out death; they did not keel over dead on the spot.  But it seems that cats, having a more specialized digestive system, are far more sensitive to the introduced substance than are dogs, and died in far greater numbers -- also in a very painful way.

I agree with FuriaFubar that trade relations between the US and China are mightily vexed, and that the recent ample attention of the media to hazardous Chinese imports has the look of a preparation for a trade war, and that business journalists should be studying all this very carefully.

But as for contaminated pet food, we should acknowledge that the phenomenon of the similar sickness and death of many cats and dogs hit us all suddenly.  Therefore, the suggestion that at least in that case the neglect of health issues had been going on for a while before seems not easy to prove.

Or is FuriaFubar suggesting something even more terrible?: that agents of US business have surreptitiously been contaminating Chinese imports, in order to incite a trade war with China?

Well, similar things have been done, in the interests of US business.  Remember the Maine.

Chickens deserve our true friendship! So do fish! So do other sentient beings! Let us learn to be kind.

Point of execution: China sends a message with its harsh punishment

China succeeded in shocking Americans who were indignant over dangerous impurities in exports from that country by executing Zheng Xiaoyu, the former head of its food and drug administration who had been convicted of taking bribes.

Last week's execution seemed designed to send a bold message, both to other Chinese engaged in trade and global consumers of Chinese goods, that authorities in China will deal harshly with activities that harm the nation's ability to sell. Mr. Zheng was one of the highest-ranking Chinese officials put to death for such a crime. He had a distinguished career in government, including eight years assuring standards in Chinese medicine production.

If nothing else, labels on ALL food from abroad or food made from ingredients from abroad should include country of origin so consumers can make their own decisions. A healthy society depends on informed consumers. And I doubt the exporting countries will actually ban dangerous chemicals as long as consumers remain in the dark. We need TRANSPARENCY! If our representative in Washington really care about the safety of the American people -- and everyone else in the world -- they will demand uniform HIGH standards for food and punish (economically) countries continuing to use toxic chemicals banned elsewhere.

Following is from...

http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_6498822

**

Tainted Chinese ginger was distributed by Gilroy company
By Brandon Bailey
Mercury News
Article Launched: 07/30/2007 05:50:32 AM PDT

State health officials are warning against eating fresh ginger from China that a Gilroy company distributed to Northern California supermarkets in recent weeks. Tests show it was tainted with an unapproved pesticide.

Although no illnesses have been reported, officials warned that samples of the ginger contained residue from aldicarb sulfoxide, a pesticide that can cause nausea, headache and blurred vision when ingested by humans in small amounts. In larger amounts, it can cause dizziness, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle stiffness and difficulty breathing.

The ginger was purchased from China by a Los Angeles County importer, which sold it to the Christopher Ranch, a Gilroy food distributor. Bill Christopher, owner of the Gilroy firm, said he bought 18,900 pounds of the ginger and repackaged it before selling it to several grocery stores and wholesalers - including Albertson's and Save Mart stores in Northern California.

****