China’s contaminated dairy crisis continues to threaten the health of the country and now the effects have spread to Europe and the United States.   Milk-based products containing melamine, including non-dairy creamers, are being recalled from American shelves.   And while the F.D.A. has not yet reported any contamination in the U.S., the pervasiveness of the tainted products elsewhere should give us pause.   The appalling lack of oversight and accountability for China’s safety regulations has led to the sickening of 53,000 children and the deaths of at least four, and melamine continues to appear everywhere from zoos to candy stores.

As the list of incidents grows the international community must demand the Chinese government take responsibility and investigate any attempts at covering up the scandal.   We should also ask that our own government increase inspections and put a ban on Chinese dairy products to protect consumers.   The health risks involved here offer a bold argument for informing consumers about the sources and ingredients of the foods we eat.

takepart and ask the FDA to take proactive measures to protect American consumers.

Photo: 2dog’s Flickr Photostream

Related:   Sarah’s Social Action Snapshot: Menu Labeling