I was recently stunned by some disturbing news about the "Hostess Twinkie" snack cake. It turns out that the deliciously sweet and tasty staple of the baby boomer generation is no longer All- American. "Can you believe that?" It turns out that along with many other non-traceable imported additives, it now contains a really wholesome sounding ingredient called thiamine mononitrate - a product that comes from petroleum. Chinese petroleum to be precise. Produced in Chinese refineries and repackaged in Chinese factories. " Is anything sacred anymore? Do you think we could get an RDA from the FDA on that important non-nutrient?"
As it turns out, my ignorance of such matters in all likelihood parallels that of the typical American consumer. It seems we've simply been ? asleep at the wheel?. While most of us have been snoozing, the Chinese have gradually chipped away at the world's industrial and manufacturing markets gaining an ever-increasing share of production and profits. Ingenuity, quicker product delivery and lower prices have all contributed to their remarkable growth. Now, I'm certain it's been a win-win situation in many markets, but I can't help expressing concern when price and production capacity begin to compromise or threaten food safety and consumer health.
The recent and tragic events surrounding the contamination of pet food was a much-needed wake- up call for most Americans. It exposed the startling reality of a food system at risk and a bureaucratic infrastructure that's ill equipped to provide the necessary checks and balances for food safety and quality assurance. In the current state of poorly regulated and inspected food additives and products, we can be assured that the more we outsource, the less control we have over quality or safety.
A recent headline remarked, "if you pop a vitamin C tablet in your mouth, it's a good bet it came from China". Not surprisingly, many of the world? s vitamins are indeed now manufactured in China. Statistics also show that during the past ten years, China has captured an estimated 90 percent of the U.S. market for vitamin C. Additionally, it supplies America with the bulk of its vitamins A, B12 and E, while quietly driving nearly everyone else out of business.
Chinese pharmaceutical companies have also taken over much of the world market in the production of antibiotics, analgesics, enzymes and primary amino acids. According to industry estimates, China makes about 70 of its aspirin and 35% of its acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Fortunately for everyone, most of China's industry is highly skilled, self-regulating and consistently producing high quality products. However, the lower tiers of Chinese industry are quite a different story. Many factories are dirty with older machinery and have no system for regulating sanitation or quality. Inspectors have little interest in public health or safety since many either work for the same company they? re inspecting or they're employed by the city governments which are in fact, part owners of the companies they're allegedly "regulating".
The big problem for consumers, who may wish to avoid certain products from sources known to be risky is that, at present, U.S. laws don't require food and drug sellers to label products with the country of origin of ingredients, which makes it impossible for consumers to know where food or supplements are coming from, not to mention which factory produced them. I think it? s fair to say that proper nutrition and food safety is difficult enough for us consumers when the system is working properly. What makes it easy for the bad guys is that we Americans tend to take an awful lot for granted by assuming that everyone is doing their job properly to protect us. But, how can we expect quality control when so few distributors and manufacturers know the true source of their ingredient.
While it may be a little too late for the " Twinkie" we can only hope that our members of Congress will finally take the necessary action to put proper controls in place that will ensure the safety and security of our vulnerable food supply.
Copyright 2007 Harry Monell. All rights reserved. Please feel free to share the entire contents of this article with your friends or post it on your site as long as it is left intact with all links unchanged, including this notice.
Major floods are caused by a natural catastrophe such as heavy rain. Often the rain fall is mixed with very intense winds. When Mother Nature is the cause of these conditions in close proximity to a body of water like a river, the sea, or a lake there is the odds of a disaster. The water increases and runs off the banks near it and a flood takes place. The flooding can become violent waters that kill all that it encounters. The flood waters blend with all the stuff it encounters yielding the water particularly unsafe.
Have you ever thought about what type of things end up mixed in with flood water? There are so many gross and unsafe substances that make up notion of it will cause you to want to run off screaming all the way. As often as it may be preferred not to be aware of what you are handling in the flood water, it is very important that you do understand so each safeguard can be taken to keep your family and yourself in safe hands. Flood waters can create disease or maybe even death if an individual does not take the appropriate measures to be safe when they have no choice but to handle dirty flood damage.
Flood water would have combined with animal manure, junk, and a human being's waste from sewer systems and clogged septic tanks. This natural waste matter will distribute harmful bacteria, germs, and parasites. After someone makes contact with these hazards they can become} very sick. These sicknesses are so serious that it is possible that a an individual could expire.
More types of harmful waste will also blend into the violent flood waters. Pesticides, bio-hazardous waste from hospitals, noxious chemicals, and even nuclear matter could be contained within the water. These chemicals in the flood water could poison somebody that communicates with it, whether it is imbibed or taken in by way of the skin. It is imperative that any person who has to deal with flood water takes every measure to continue being safe and sound.
Before you go near the polluted flood water be sure that you have a current tetanus immunization. If you don't know when you had one, be vaccinated before you try to manage any flood damage cleanup. Putting on appropriate protective clothes is important if you will be in communication with filthy flood water. Wear waterproof coveralls, air tight eye protection, latex boots and gloves, and a good quality respirator kind of face mask if you need to be adjacent to the water. Be sure that that the water you are drinking comes from a safe source, if at all possible bottled water for the first weeks after the flood has occurred.
Rinse your hands often with sudsy water following touching things} that have been in flood water. Take a shower in clean water as soon as you can after being in contact with the flood water. Wash all clothes you were wearing while you came into contact with the soiled water before it is put on again. Taking every measure conceivable as you are dealing with flood water may seem neurotic yet is essential to guard your health and well being in this instance, as your existence may possibly depend on the decisions you make.
Both Harry Monell & Osmund Aft are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Harry Monell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Nutrition, Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms and Fat Loss. New Day Nutrients is a website focused on promoting better health and vitality by providing helpful information, advice and the latest news covering a wide range of health and nutritional topics. Please visit. Harry Monell's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.
Osmund Aft has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Home and Spyware. Osmund Aft is a writer of Water Damage stories for