The Chinese Melamine Scare - To Fear or Not to Fear?
For those of you who are not aware of the sad, scary situation that has been unfolding in China over the last few months allow me to bring you up to speed.
At least 54.000 infants in that country have been sickened with kidney stone symptoms, pain in the abdomen and back, blood in the urine, and nausea or vomiting. The reason that so many children are being affected with the same symptoms has been linked to a chemical called Melamine.
Melamine is a poisonous chemical, traditionally used in the production of plastics and fertilizers; however, dangerous amounts have been found in powdered infant formula. It has also been found in other Chinese made foods, especially dairy products; however, it seems to be most affecting the most innocent and vulnerable, the infants and children.
The chemical is causing build up of minerals in the young bodies of its victims which leads to the formation of painful kidney stones. A situation which has sadly, proven to be fatal for four young children.
The United Nations and the World Health Organization have stepped in to help find the source of the contamination as well as a way to quickly correct the problem. The twenty two member countries of the European Union have recently banned the import of Chinese infant formula and other potentially affected foods in order to protect their citizens.
In the United States, the sale of Chinese imported infant formula has been illegal for sometime. So the FDA is telling American parents that they should feel safe in continuing the use of powered infant formula.
No United States manufacturer uses any Chinese imported products in the making of their powdered infant formula either. The FDA has warned however, that formula purchased at illegal Asian or Ethnic markets may be contaminated so parents shopping at those locations should be extra vigilant.
Other foods that have the potential to be affected are vitamins, chocolate, and candies. Though most manufacturers have gone to extra lengths to make sure that their products are safe to their consumers. A few ways to be sure that your family stays protected throughout this Melamine crisis is to buy local and buy organic.
In the meantime, another thing that parents can do to be proactive is contact your local state and federal elected officials and let them know that you do not support Chinese imported food products due to the concerns over Melamine at this time.
I know as a parent it is unthinkable that something we are giving our children in good faith could be making them sick… we trust the manufacturers of these products to protect our families and our children.
I encourage all parents to be extra vigilant when it comes to food concerns with your children. Keep yourself educated about current events such as this sad one in China and make sure you are doing everything you can to protect your family.
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