The recent recall on baby formula distributed through out several provinces in China through the Sanlu Group, one of the larger producers of baby formula, has re-introduced the questions on the standards set by the Chinese government on product safety.
Three babies have passed due to the chemical melamine addition to the formula. The chemical is added to create a higher protein levels in milk that does not meet the standards for protein consistency. Melamine, which is found in plastics and fertilizers, has created over 1000 cases of severe kidney stones in infants.
The Sanlu Group partners with a New Zealand company, Fonterra, alerted New Zealand government officials early last week of the repetitive complaints and findings of the chemical addition. The New Zealand contacted the Chinese officials who then called for a full recall. This includes over 10,000 tons of formula, as well as a question of what other dairy products could be tainted with the chemical, Fonterra is currently testing all items with Chinese ingredients.
There have been six arrests made and twenty-two people are currently being questioned. The perpetrators include the chairwoman/General manager of the Sanlu Group and officials connected to the Hebei province where the company is based.
The first reports of problems were filed as early as March, but in early August several infants were admitted with the problem. Unfortunately there was not a public statement and recall until the second week of September. This leads people to wonder when the Chinese government was going to make this public, if it was not prompted by the New Zealand Government.
The general public is disgusted by the consequences and actions of these companies it also resurrects the argument that breast milk is the wisest solution for infant feeding. The female body produces a high protein, rich in antibody food for infants and there are not worries about strange chemical additions to increase the vitality of the milk.
China currently is recalling a baby formula milk substitute due to the toxin melamine positively testing in the powder. As early as March cases of kidney stones in infants were reported. When more than a dozen cases were reported recently action had to be taken by the government. The Shijiazhuang Sanlu Group who is the manufacturing company of this product has issued 8,000 tons of powder be recalled. Last year, this brand was the 7th top selling formula by revenue for China. It is currently illegal to sell in the United States, although there is concern by US officials that ethnic grocery stores in larger cities with Chinese populations carrying it with out governmental approval. The toxin is commonly used combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin, a durable plastic. Melamine is used in the make up of fertilizers and cleaning products. Between the late 1950s and mid-70s there was testing done on the affects of ingesting the chemical and the results were it caused reproductive changes, bladder and kidney stones. Again, this was the primary symptom that alerted health officials of the common problem with the infants, kidney stones. In recent years, the use of melamine has been connected to artificially increasing protein levels in pet foods, but after several reports of animal fatality all pet food with the chemical was recalled. This is not the first, just the most recent, example of the standards set by the Chinese government on product requirements and testing procedures prior to release for commercial use. This also serves as a reminder why the healthiest solution for baby’s nutrition is good, ole fashion mothers’ milk. Breast milk is the ideal source for baby’s, it contains the vitamins, anti-bodies and nutrients to nurture and foster healthy growth.
Sleep, what is that? New parents all over are deprived of sleep during the first year of their children’s lives, but it shouldn’t be due to worry over the bedding and materials their angels are sleeping on. An easy way help increase sleep and decrease worry for parents when their little one’s will actually sleep, buy organic.
The media is increasingly making us aware of the harmful effects man-made materials have on the environment and on individuals, toxins seep into the ground and into our very bodies emitted from the manufacturing and use of daily products. So why buy items full of poison when there are alternatives.
The baby’s bed, the place where they will spend 12- 16 hours of everyday is a perfect place to start.
Mattresses made of man-made materials have chemicals in their make up that can create allergen problems and issues with immunity development and reproductive systems. These mattresses are also covered in secondary chemicals to decrease their flammability. These chemicals have been linked to the increase in hyperactivity and neurobehavioral alterations in children. Babies spend hours with lying on there, breathing in these poisons and increasing the chances of permanent problems.
Organic baby mattresses are a slight bit more expensive but the initial increase in cost is buying peace of mind that your child is sleeping on materials that will not hurt them further on down the road. The use of organic cotton and wool work to decrease dust mites, contain a resistance to bacteria and are more flame retardant.
The drawback to organic: they are not as pretty. Due to the lack of dyes and added chemicals there are less options in visual appeal when buying organic baby bedding. This can be easily fixed by keeping the bedding simple and adding colorful wall hangings and decorations.
Keep the items your baby will touch natural, there will be plenty of time for the rest.
The whole point of the “green movement” is to save the world for future generations. Expectant parents can start with organic baby products.
Organic baby products make a lot of sense. They are composed of materials made without toxins, fertilizers or pesticides, making them healthier for the entire household. If a baby or a family member is at risk from allergies, organic products can greatly reduce that risk.
Many people find that organic baby products are much softer than competing products. Who wouldn’t want to give their baby the softest baby clothing and bedding? Organic baby fabrics are hand-sewn, so baby won’t be scratched by rough edges.
Babies are often hard on their clothes, so it’s a relief to learn that clothing made from organic cotton can be much more durable. If there are multiple children in the family, organic clothes can help save the family budget by ensuring that hand-me-downs are attractive and have plenty of wear left.
Did you know that the world’s cotton crop accounts for a full 25 percent of the world’s pesticide use? Of course, much of that cotton crop is used in baby products. By choosing organic baby items, parents really are doing a great deal to save the earth for future generations.
Some critics say that it is too expensive to use organic baby items. However, it is well worth a slightly greater expense to buy an organic cotton T-shirt; it did not cost the environment to create it either.
Buying organic baby items is a great way to set an example for babies and the rest of the world. By getting baby started on organic problems, they may choose to go green for life.
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