The Obama Administration has quietly opened up the U.S. market to Chinese chicken – a move that alarms some public interest groups. Many consumers avoid China foods, including pet foods, due to a long series of contaminated and poisoned products coming from that country. Now the U.S. will allow four Chinese poultry plants to send processed chicken to American markets while hiding their origin. The problem is that by cooking the chicken, China can avoid new country-of-origins labels (COOL) at delis and other stores — resulting in consumers eating Chinese food products without knowing it.
The Chinese plants passed inspection and will be able to start processing chicken that has been slaughtered in the U.S. or other countries. This follows a hold on the operation after outbreaks of bird flu occurred this year in China, causing human illness and death.
A petition from Food and Water Watch accused the Administration of caving to Chinese pressure to secure a broader market for U.S. beef imports and said that China continues to fall behind on health and industry standards:
“It has been no secret that China has wanted to export chicken to the U.S. in exchange for reopening its market for beef from the U.S. that has been closed since 2003 due to the diagnosis of a cow in Washington State with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease. Today’s audit report reveals yet again that USDA is willing to allow trade to trump food safety.”
The loophole in country-of-origins labels (COOL) worries many that they will not be able to choose to avoid Chinese products. Presumably, delis, schools, and stores can still alert consumers but those using the cheaper products are unlikely to do so (though presumably delis and stores could advertise that they are China-product free as many pet stores have done).
Raw imported meat or fish have a COOL label describing where it was raised, slaughtered and processed. Chinese cooked meat will not have such a label and may be coming to schools and stores near you.
Source: Politico
Darren – oh my gosh, you are the thread winner. Totally awesome, and I’m sending that pic on!
Darren – I am sorry. Your pic is AWESOME.
“Now the U.S. will allow four Chinese poultry plants to send processed chicken to American markets while hiding their origin.”
I support consumer choice. If they stand behind their product, label it. Same goes for GMOs. We have a right to make an informed decision on what we consume.
For shame.
This is yet another reason to avoid processed foods and try to focus more on healthy foods. You are what you eat. And if you eat nuggets imported from China, you might be a cat.
It’s after 5 in Iceland.
Found your site Paul…don’t you have a comment at least to correct your incorrect statement?
Yes. And, that they were dirty kitchens. And, if you notice, most Chinese takeout places have kitchens you can see. But, bettykath still doesn’t like hard working Chinese Americans. I think Asians are some of the best immigrants this country has ever had.
I feel like I’m back in the 1960’s w/ people bashing US Chinese restaurants.
Nick – weren’t we bashing Chinese restaurants in the ’60s because they were using MSG and cats?
Where has Samantha been?? This is a great topic for her.
Annie, “Who is it that always pushes for less regulation? You get what you deserve.”
yep. I don’t eat much meat but I’ll certainly be eating less chicken and avoiding chinese takeout (only eat the veggie rice anyway).
One more good reason not to eat overly processed foods. Buy fresh chicken and those that are labeled properly. The US (and other processors) no have good reason to boldly declare their own origins.
The Chinks killed my sister’s dog with tainted doggie treats!!!
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/05/house-fy-2012-budget-proposal-seeks-285-in-cuts-at-fda/#.VCLwEX48KK0
Annie,
That would be partly true…. But it’s based upon the neonazis in america that want less regulation on all business….
Would you like to back that up with a cite?
I spend more to buy American-raised and processed chicken jerky for my dogs than the cost for Chinese-raised, American-processed. The risk of trusting Chinese foods is too great for any creature you love.
This information needs to be widely broadcast to the population that is lured by low prices and fast foods. But now everyone is at risk, if the label does not inform (warn).
Annie – that would be one of your federal regulator that pushed for less regulation.
This is going to devastate my wife, who loves chicken, but has worries about Chinese food. Not sure what her workaround will be. She serves it to me as well. Not sure what my work around will be. Woe, to the Republic.
Who is it that always pushes for less regulation? You get what you deserve.
According to the linked article from Politico, this move was in order to open more trade for our beef products to China. I do believe in open & free trade, but I also want complete disclosure and labeling so I, as a consumer, can decide whether or not to buy it. Correct the inadequacies of COOL labeling and let the consumer decide.
Darren w/ the thread winner!
President, Barack ‘I’m sorry I ever voted for you, Huge-bummer!
Darren,
I got a great laugh with that picture and sent it to friends. Hilarious and apropos.