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China—Outbreak
of Clenbuterol Food Poisoning
Source of Article: http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-outbreak--clenbuterol-food-poisoning-7256.html
There is no fear of government regulators
By
Xin Fei
Epoch
Times Staff Nov 16, 2008
Clenbuterol food poisoning was reported in Jiaxing City,
Zhejiang Province. Since
November 10, 70 employees of the Zhongmao Plastics
Products company in Jiaxing have been diagnosed. A
pork dish served at the Zhongmao cafeteria lunch
meal was identified as the source.
A Chinese hospital doctor Hao Jun (alias) confirmed
to The Epoch Times that the patients shared similar
and obvious symptoms: palpitation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, chest
tightness, uneasiness, shaking, trembling, weakness, and instability.
Hao said, “Some patients have been seen at the
hospital. More than 20 patients suffered from severe poisoning. Others were
seen at other hospitals. Most patients have been released. Those who were in
critical condition have also been stabilized, although the side effects are
yet to be observed.”
Intentional Adulteration of Animal Feed
Dr. Hao Jun indicated that clenbuterol
is an asthma medicine. It will speed up the catabolism of fat in pigs if used
in pig feed. It will also enhance the lean meat and muscle in pigs. It is
heat stable and will not decompose until it’s heated to over 172 degrees
Celsius. Therefore, cooking will not eliminate clenbuterol
toxicity. It will accumulate in the human body through ingestion. Long-term
consumption will lead to malignant tumors and pose particular danger to patients
who have high blood pressure or diabetes. If the intake is excessive, the
poisoning can be life-threatening.
Dr. Hao mentioned that because one of his relatives
owns a pig feed company, he was made aware of the ‘secret’ about pig feed
additives. Clenbuterol added to feed will not only
shorten the growth time, but also increase the sale price. Growth hormone is
also added. Poison chemicals such as arsenic have also been added to enhance
the redness and shine of the pork skin and hair. Some might even add
tranquilizers or sleeping pills to make pigs sleep. Long-term consumption of
pork adulterated with these feeds might lead to retardation. The hormones and
chemicals could also endanger lives and lead to many illnesses.
Same Old Government Line
“It is not realistic to expect the public be cautious. The critical point is
the monitoring mechanism of the government,” Dr. Hao
expressed, “The government’s response has always been the same: ‘The
case is being investigated and sanction is warranted.’ However, it always
ends with no action. Therefore, those who committed the crime have nothing to
fear. I believe there’s some sort of collusion and conflict of interest
between the business and the officials.”
Pork containing clenbuterol often has a bright red
skin with very little fat.
According to partial data, since 1998 there have been at least 18 clenbuterol food poisoning cases in China. More
than 1,700 people have been poisoned, with one confirmed death.
Between October 8 and 18, there were three food poisonings confirmed caused
by clenbuterol in pork meals in Guangdong Province.
During September 2006, a series of food borne illnesses exploded in Shanghai and sickened
more than 300 people. These were confirmed to be related to meals with pork
or pig intestines containing clenbuterol. In June
of the same year, employees of a hotel in Foshan
suffered from clenbuterol food poisoning. Also,
hundreds of workers in a glass factory in Guangdong Province
were poisoned by meals containing clenbuterol in
May.
Hao Jun emphasized, “Considering the infant formula
food-borne illness [melamine poisoning], and the massive incidences of poor
food quality and safety, problems in China’s processed foods are
increasingly worrisome.”
Read the orginal Chinese article
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