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DEL.ICIO.USAre you worried about food tainted with melamine in U.S.?
As the affected product list grows, some people are concerned about local markets carrying food produced in China. Are you worried? Are you changing your buying habits accordingly?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As I have been reading stories about the 54,000 Chinese babies sickened by the baby milk contaminated with melamine, I have been pained for the families. But I have also been somewhat relieved it wasn’t something I would have to worry about personally. As the list grew to include chocolates, I once again took it off my radar as it appeared to only include chocolates sold abroad.
But yesterday I got a note from a friend telling me that his pregnant wife had picked up some popular Chinese candy at a local Asian market off Buford Highway. She had eaten several pieces of the White Rabbit candy when she realized it was a brand that was on the list of foods contaminated with melamine — a chemical used in making plastics. She has no indication that the particular lot was contaminated, but she stopped eating it and says she’s definitely thinking twice about products that she buys at Asian markets (and any products imported from China at her regular market).
After further investigation, it seems like that may be a wise move. Canada recalled the White Rabbit candy in late September and is now recalling Pirate’s Gold Milk Chocolate.
The Allentown Morning Call reports that the FDA has identified a melamine-contaminated drink sold in Asian stores throughout the U.S. According to the story:
“Melamine was in Blue Cat Flavor Drink distributed by Tristar Food Wholesale Co. of Jersey City, N.J., according to an agency statement Monday.”
”The company began a recall of several flavors and the FDA isn’t aware of any illnesses.”
So now I’m starting to worry. Are you concerned about foods containing melamine being found in the U.S.? Are you particularly concerned if you shop at Asian markets or even eat at Chinese restaurants that may be using imported food products? Are you concerned enough to change your buying habits?
I have prepared a little Cliffs Notes research for you guys on the melamine situation with links to multiple stories and sites:
Let’s start with a nice overview of the whole melamine story from U.S. News and World Report.
This is a list of affected products known so far. I am looking for an updated list from a news source we know.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s official site and its links.
What is melamine, and how does it affect our bodies?
How much melamine is safe to eat?
And finally from The Wall Street Journal a look at if China is being up front about the number of children really affected by the melamine.
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By Jesse's Girl
October 10, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this
This is just another reason I try very hard to NEVER eat anything out of a box. I am very particular about my chocolate. Much to my checkbook’s dismay, I am a frequent customer of a Parisian chocolate maker. They are fantastic! They literally make it in their back room. And if you are fortunate enough to visit in person, you can watch them make your lovelies!
I know its a big deal these days to be organic and home-grown. But in our home, its really not an issue. We have never really made a habit of purchasing/eating questionable foods from even more questionable sources. I know we can’t be 100% sure about everything…..but I do my best:)
By lakerat
October 10, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
No I don’t eat Chinese food and I am immune to bird flu and SARS so HA.
You people should worship me like a God.
By Mr. Nice Guy
October 10, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
I won’t buy meat “On Sale” - I don’t trust it. Our food system is not safe but what are you going to do about it???
By Get a Grip
October 10, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Now this is the kind of topic I am talking about. Informative and not geared toward “mommy” stuff, but still relevant to our families. Theresa, thanks for this information. I am pretty much a Kroger girl, but knowing that it is important to be aware of what sort of problems can be imported and consumed is powerful stuff.
By Mr. Nice Guy
October 10, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Bear in mind too if you’re a mother age 34 or older, odds are your mother probably drank and smoked while you were in the womb; see how you turned out. The human body is pretty tough.
By mombiealert
October 10, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
In an economic melt down, the question of whether to buy your fine chocolates from china or from france is about as mombie as it gets!
By Mr. Nice Guy
October 10, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
All of your fresh vegetables come from South America during the winter where there is no regulations. A lot of the shrimp you eat is from Asia where there is no oversight on if they refridgerate it as it sits in a boat for days until frozen.
Other veggies in a jar come from Pakistan where there are zero standards…. and on, and on, and on…
By Theresa
October 10, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
hey mombie alert — click on the link to the partial list — it’s pretty large —- the point is not chocolate but appears to be lots of things that can have milk in them — you’ll recognize a lot of the brands — so I don’t think this is just an elitist import concern —-
By CP
October 10, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
All the talk lately about the economy being out of control and food prices being outrageous has sure started me thinking of starting my own garden at home, at least for vegetables. The melamine-laced foods have only made me think harder about it. Maybe it’s paranoid (probably is) but I know no one is going to look out for me & my family as much as I will myself.
So far my shopping habits haven’t changed at all. I don’t shop at international markets (Kroger & Sam’s are the usuals) and hardly ever eat out. Veggies get washed before cooking/eating. I’m still thinking of doing a veggie garden anyway. It would probably give more benefits than the food itself too, like fresh air & giving teaching opportunities for my kids.
Sorry if I sound a bit rambly this morning. Didn’t sleep very well last night.
By Jesse's Girl
October 10, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Hey Mombiealert….perhaps the way I handle my worldly concerns is by treating myslef to fine wine and chocolates on occassion. It beats the hell out of having a cantankerous and sour attitude like some. But I’m not naming any names:)
By Numbers Guy
October 10, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
I’m a whole lot more concerned about what’s running through the seafood department at the local supermarket than I am about this.
By CP
October 10, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
OK, I just looked at the list posted on here. I was surprised to see M&M’s & Snickers on it! I know it says it isn’t the North American Product, but if it’s the same company…
I don’t really care about the M&M’s but I do like Snickers occasionally. Oh well, guess that treat is gone for now.
By JD
October 10, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
I’ve been sticking to brands I trust - so far, so good, as none of them have been involved in any of the tainted food scandals (pet food, formula, etc.). Shopping at the farmers market and growing my own veggies are also a good way to destress and know the food chain :o)
Theresa - A blog suggestion… I’m in the process of baby-proofing my house, and I’ve heard everything from ‘let ‘em learn’ to folks who spent $2k to literally pad every surface. What is the going wisdom on baby-proofing? Are people just trusting their gut?
Have a great weekend everyone.
By Jesse's Girl
October 10, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Cover sharp table and counter corners and lock cabinets and stoves. Thats about it….they will indeed learn the rest. Off to work, you guys have a blessed weekend!
By CP
October 10, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Babyproofing. Good topic. I never did too much of it myself. My oldest 2 never got into anything dangerous. My 4 yr. old got into a bottle of children’s ibuprofen when she was about a year - don’t ask me how. The bottle was put up & the lid was on, still was on after she downed 1/4 of the bottle.
They’ve all had bumps & bruises from playing but I don’t think stressing about them hurting themselves is going to prevent it. They’ll find a way. You can’t prevent any & every bad thing that could happen but most accidents can be prevented by using common sense. Wall outlets covered, nothing dangling off tables or counters that could be pulled onto themselves, etc. The majority of people survive childhood in spite of themselves (& their parents.)
By lovin life
October 10, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Thanks for posting this Theresa! i had no clue about the M&M’s and snickers. Mr T. just powered through a bag of Emme’s (as E calls M&M’s) last night.
By new mom
October 10, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Hi y’all!
We babyproofed a decent amount—mainly cabinet doors, door closures on double pantry and laundry doors, and outlet covers. Too bad there’s no outlet covers for phone jacks—baby girl’s fingers fit right in those!
The most important babyproofing (in my book) is removing all breakable/decorative stuff. Our china cabinet has lots of crap on top of it, and the rest is in our basement. It’s funny, once we’ve gotten used to not having all that stuff around, I’m not sure I’ll put it back out—more to dust! Plus I’m really liking things less cluttered.
Lovin life—I used to call M&Ms “Ms and Ns” and boy do I still LOVE them. Oh well…
By Stacey
October 10, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Although I’ve never purchased (nor heard of) any of the products in italics, the fact there are a lot of brands that I use regularly that have been recalled in China. As others have said they aren’t recalled here YET, but I worry that some of the components are imported from China. There are a lot of popular candy brands on the list and with Halloween coming up, it does make me stop to think. My son doesn’t trick or treat but they still “fall festival” parties at school and get lots of candy.
By Theresa
October 10, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Oh great Stacey — thanks!! Hadn’t even thought about the Halloween candy — something else to worry about!!! — No way to spot melamine like razor blades — a little bit tougher to deal with!
By CP
October 10, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Oh man! Halloween. My least favorite holiday. I know it’s for the kids, but it’s such a pain in the booty for me. Now add the melamine scare in the mix. Can I stay home this year?