DIRTY (USED!) CHOPSTICKS

Should we say "NO!" to cheaper but unsafe "made in China" products?  Are Americans willing to support the Chinese economy at the risk of their health?

Beijing August 2007 - Americans have been subjected to unsafe or deadly pet food, medicine, tires, toothpaste, toys, and as of mid-August, children's pajamas with 9 times the allowable limit of formaldehyde!  Dog and cat collars, belts, clothing, linens, even the vitamin "C" and prescription drugs are "Made In China."  Now we learn (Reuters) that used chopsticks are being "recycled" without sanitation.  As we import more products, especially those which go in our mouths or come in contact with our skin, the risk exponentially increases.

Is it worth it?  That question becomes crucial not just to our health, but to our economy and our way of life.   Have we thought about a simple fact of life - that products are often introduced at lower price but are guaranteed to go up as a market is established.  It is no different with foreign exports.  We like the price now but what will we do when that item becomes higher than that of domestically produced products - which can no longer be purchased because the companies have gone out of business? 

Retailers are plucking the money tree created by our demand for cheap imports.  Go to any major department store and try to buy a pair of shoes NOT "made in China."  If successful you will pay much more than the $20 to $100 people are now paying for pair of Chinese shoes.  As availability of Italian or Brazilian-made shoes decreases, the overall price for all shoes increases. 

If using a dirty utensil that has been in a stranger's mouth doesn't bother you, then read no further.  If you eat at Chinese restaurants (who doesn't?) menu prices won't be less but you could be risking your health. 

China is about to overtake the U.S. as the world's second-largest exporter.  But it asks forgiveness for not having the manpower to enforce food and drug safety regulations.  Sounds strange for one of the most heavily populated countries in the world but that's what they claim.

We sacrificed our pets to save $2 on a 35 pound bag of dog food or a few pennies on canned products.  Would it have mattered if it were baby food?  It would have mattered to the parents of the sick children in New Zealand but the knowledge came too late to protect them.

We suggest you read the entire story at
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2007-08-22T082246Z_01_PEK237964_RTRUKOC_0_US-CHINA-SAFETY-CHOPSTICKS.xml

or do an online search for "Reuters Chopsticks China".  There is a growing amount of information available.  Consumer protection agencies are sounding the alarm and that's what we're doing.  Recycled (unsanitary) chopsticks are but one example. 

Use caution when purchasing imported goods.  There once was and perhaps still is value in "American Made."