The new China Syndrome

Everything is hunky dory in China! Or not. Actually, I’m guessing not based on the title of the speech by noted policy expert Marion Nestle at the Plaza Library tonight at 6:30.

The speech is called “Red Scare: China and the New Global Food System.” Nestle is a Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health at New York University. She’s written three books, and is a newspaper columnist and blogger.

She’s in town for a couple of days (more on that Friday) to talk about her new book Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine. From the back cover: “Marion Nestle tells the gripping story of how, in early 2007, a few

telephone calls about sick cats set off the largest recall of consumer

products in U.S. history and an international crisis over the safety of

imported goods ranging from food to toothpaste, tires, and toys.”

Of the 20 chapters, more than half have the word China or “melamine” in the title. Melamine really came to the public’s attention last summer when it was found in milk that had poisoned children in China. The lack of oversight and nefarious characters supposedly reads like a detective novel as much a serious academic study. 

The event takes place in the Truman Forum of the library. Admission is free but RSVP is recommended by calling 816-701-3407.