China Shuts 180 Food Plants in Safety Push (China)

Chinese governmental authorities have closed down 180 food manufacturing plants that were using unhealthy chemical additives in food products ranging from candy to seafood. China is cracking down on food and pharmaceutical product makers in China after a number of national and international incidents of poisoning have stirred concern about the safety of Chinese products. Drug safety has also been an issue. In the spring of 2006, at least five people died after taking injections of a gallbladder medicine made by Qiqihar No. 2 Pharmaceutical Co. A government investigation later found that Qiqihar had used diethylene glycol, the same chemical that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently has warned may be in toothpaste produced in China, to save money in manufacturing the drug. The incident captured the nation's attention, and the government shut the factory. (Click here for more - May Require Paid Subscription