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Changes Coming To How Foods Are Labeled

Consumers To See Food Labeled With Country Of Origin

POSTED: 6:01 pm EDT September 29, 2008
UPDATED: 8:00 pm EDT September 29, 2008

Recent melamine concerns about chocolate made in China has prompted recalls in three countries and changes in the way food is labeled.

The Country of Origin Labeling law has emerged when consumers are alarmed about contaminated food products coming from China.

Melamine has already been linked to deaths of infants who ingested contaminated baby formula from China containing melamine.

Traces of melamine have been found in chocolate produced in China, but the Pittsburgh Poison Center (PPC) said the tainted chocolate does not present the same risks.

"No. 1, baby formula: Think of it as something that is highly concentrated in baby formula. It's there to add body bulk and protein," said Edward Krenzelok of the PPC. "A candy bar, if it was in this country -- and it doesn't look like it is -- we're talking about trace amounts."

However, the question remains if the Country of Origin Labeling law that goes into effect on Tuesday will give consumers full disclosure of origin.

The law currently mandates disclosure for meat, poultry and produce -- both farm-raised and wild fish must be labeled.

Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables are also on the list, but the poison center said it doesn’t account for American-made products that use ingredients from other countries.

"If a component is brought in to make something in the U.S., all of those components don't have to be listed in terms of where their country of origin is. So, I don't think that will really help us," said Krenzelok.

The PPC said that still doesn’t make everyone completely vulnerable.

"There's always justification when you talk about contamination of food. We're vulnerable, but not as vulnerable as they are in Asia where food is not tested and regulated as much as it is here," said Krenzelok.

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