U.S. and China Sign Food Safety Pact

After its food and toy factories have been shown responsible for a litany of recalls, Chinese governments have agreed to allow U.S. inspectors access to Chinese facilities. According to the Chicago Tribune, U.S. and Chinese governments reached an agreement by which the Food and Drug Administration officials will audit Chinese factories. In return, Chinese manufacturers can still access U.S. markets.

The agreement came after Chinese and American representatives held harsh, and sometimes heated, debates over recent trade failures. The U.S. called China’s export economy a muddle of insincere regulations. Chinese officials charged that U.S. claims were nothing more than political ballyhoo meant to batter its newfound industrial success.

Having reached an agreement, the accord is meant to ease trade tensions between the U.S. and China, while ensuring consumer safety. But, as the White House runs a political victory lap, critics argue the pact is superficial.

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