China Ban On Meat Exports Costs U.S.

Latest Twist In International Food Safety Scandal Is Called Posturing The stocks dropped in several major U.S. meat companies yesterday, following a decision by China to restrict imports of many meats. U.S. meat has certainly had a mixed record on safety in the past, but the Department of Agriculture's inspection program has over recent years removed many of the risks. It is even seen by watchdogs of the Food and Drug Administration -- which has a parallel role in food inspection for about 80% of the food supplly -- as a model. For that reason, some analysts are calling the Chinese move a bit of economic muscle flexing, after a series of food and drug safety scandals have raised great concern about the quality of products coming from China. In essence, these analysts say, China is giving the United States a message: You need our market, so don't get too aggressive with these food inspections. When it comes to food safety, the U.S. has to clean up its own house -- namely the huge holes in inspection capacity -- and it also has to remain vigilant about not only Chinese imports, but from the hundreds of food producers abroad, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. It can't be cowed. Related Stories Chinese Food Makers Don't Trust China China Looks In Mirror: Sees Poor Food Safety Candy Has Stealth Ingredients From China Under Pressure, Congress Reconsiders Country-Of-Origin Food Labels SAFE FOOD WATCH: Eye On Pesticides A Special Report Chinese Seafood Imports Halted Toxic Toothpaste Scandal Grows Death Toll From Toxic Cough Syrup Could Be 300 China Cracks Down On Food Makers Apples And Garlic Top Chinese Food Imports Law Hides U.S. Food Origins: From Afghanistan To Zimbabwe