In mid-2007, numerous findings of unsafe products produced in China were disclosed, including pet food, fish, toothpaste, toys, and fireworks. In early 2008, the FDA pointed to Chinese companies as the source of contaminated heparin, a widely used blood thinner. Reports of at least 81 deaths linked to contaminated heparin in the United States set off withdrawals of the product in 11 countries. “The key ingredient in heparin is made from slaughtered pig intestines, much of which comes from China, often from small family workshops.” In early 2009, it was found that “two Chinese-based companies shipped contaminated heparin to the U.S. between 2007 and 2008 and one company lied to federal health regulators about [its] role in the matter.”
a. Research problems with Chinese products and write a short summary that identifies what prior or current products were or are involved and the problems experienced with those products.
b. What conditions in China might have contributed to the quality problems?
c. Do you think that all Chinese products of a similar type should be banned if significant quality problems are found in several like products? Explain the rationale for your answer.