Recalls & China
August 14th, 2007
Submitted By: Evelyn Ma
Everyday I hear more news about China. Whether it is good or bad, any news (especially after out trip) about the PRC catches my attention. I recently read an article from CNN, describing a recall of toothpaste made in China.
The toothpaste manufacturer is Ming Fai Enterprises International Co. Ltd. and is distributed under Gilchrist & Soames. Independent studies found that some samples contained diethylene glycol (found in anti-freeze), a kidney and liver toxin and a central nervous system depressant. A recall has occurred in numerous US and European hotels, and they have been told to destroy any inventory they may still have.
With our recent trip back from China and understanding the great efforts the country is taking to become the dominant global power, how significant is this blow to China? How do you think China will respond to this recall? With other recalls, such as lead-painted toys and tainted pet foods, how can China recover its reputation and gain consumer confidence?
Here is a link to recalled toothpaste by the FDA.
1 Comment Add your own
1. Chris Carr | August 20th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Good post. An important issue.
China seems to be responding in a number of ways (see, e.g., virtually everyday’s Wall Street Journal articles re: how).
Remember, too, that they DID execute the head of their FDA for some of these problems. Perhaps this specific step is mere window dressing, but the reality is that the US and its population would likely not have the guts to take such a step in their own political backyard.
For the most part China seems to “get” that the long term ramifications of this could be severe for them and their economy, and they need to hop on it — Beijing in particular.
Whether and how effectively Beijing can control the provinces and the firms therein on this development, well, that’s a whole different story and set of issues. Time will tell.
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