DeLauro Statement on Widening Chinese Baby Formula Scandal

Statement

DeLauro Statement on Widening Chinese Baby Formula Scandal

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3), chairwoman of the Agriculture - Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement about the announcement that a second baby in China had died in connection with melamine-tainted baby formula. In recent months over 1,200 babies have been sickened - more than 340 infants remain hospitalized, including 53 in serious condition.

"With the death of another Chinese baby from melamine-tainted baby formula, it is clear that the Chinese have a non-functioning regulatory system for ensuring the safety of foods and drugs. It was almost 18 months ago that the Chinese government pledged to improve oversight of its food safety regulations following the discovery that China was the source of melamine-tainted pet food. It now appears that this was an empty promise.

"Fortunately, the United States, does not legally import baby formula from China. However, because of the laxity of our inspections of imported products, we cannot know for sure if this product is, in fact, in the United States.

"This latest food safety incident provides further evidence that the Bush Administration has no interest in ensuring the safety of our food supply. It will be up to the next Administration to embrace the regulatory function of the FDA, to ensure that public health is protected."

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