Kicking China to the Curb

China, as it turns out, isn't as great as we hoped it would be. Sure, with billions of inhabitants the possibilities for consumer consumption are endless and for our benefit, the products are dirt cheap. So, our country has been more than happy to take advantage of these low, low prices and then sell Made in China goods to everyone in the United States.

But, then like all seemingly perfect partnerships, China dropped the ball. First, with the tainted pet food containing melamine, which killed thousands of our beloved pets. Then, we discovered that many toys Made in China were tainted with lead, a known poisonous killer. Of children. Now, going with the cheapest manufacturer of products isn't sounding so good.

Today, there are even deeper concerns about how widely pesticides and illegal antibiotics are used in foods from China. Yikes! The whole thing is starting to get pretty frightening. Apparently, the saying is true--you do get what you pay for. And we haven't even touched on their communist regime and oppressive treatment of their people.

Fortunately, one food retailer is actually discontinuing their use of some of their Made in China products. Trader Joe's recently announced plans to pull single-ingredient items from China (like spinach and garlic) from its stores in efforts to protect its customers. Yay Trader Joe's! Whole Foods, on the other hand, released a statement defending its relationships with vendors in China, stating that they carry so few Made in China products, that it doesn't make sense for them to discontinue use.

Really? Even though illegal antibiotics and pesticides are reportedly being used on food coming from China? Wait--isn't Whole Foods a health food store? I'm so confused. Since Whole Foods doesn't carry a huge amount of products from China, it wouldn't seem like a big deal to eliminate them from its product lines. It would actually seem like a positive way to send the message to its customers that their health (and survival!) is important. So, what gives?

I love Whole Foods, or at least I did. As a girl that eats wheat-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free, I need a store like Whole Foods. But, I don't need pesticides or illegal antibiotics in my food and I am not a fan of China.

What do you think is motivating Whole Foods? Are they simply trying to save a buck (a savings we as shoppers are not receiving, as their prices are outrageous!)? Or do they really believe in the solidarity and safety of their products/vendors from China? Do you think all grocery chains should ax all products with ingredients from China? Would love to hear your thoughts on this hot topic.

--Heather Strang

Comments

[Sam]

Take the above factors out of play. The reality is that China is rapidly losting its competitive advantage. As the dollar grows weaker and the RMB surges, retailers will have more reasons than good PR to pull out of China.