The chemical melamine was used to falsify protein levels in milk products, leading to a scandal where infants died in China and pets fell ill in the USA. The incident shook consumer confidence in Chinese goods and highlighted the need for stricter food safety regulations globally. As a result, the USA implemented the Food Safety Modernization Act in 2011 to enhance oversight of imported food.
A Times investigation has revealed how applesauce laced with high levels of lead sailed through a food safety system meant to protect American consumers, and poisoned hundreds of children across the U.S.
Christina Jewett, who covers the Food and Drug Administration for The Times, talks about what she found.
Guest: Christina Jewett, who covers the Food and Drug Administration for The New York Times.
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