China executes former food and drug safety chief - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kuan · #1 07-11-2007, 08:13 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_6345250

Quote:

The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 07/10/2007 11:36:26 PM MDT

BEIJING - China executed the former head of its food and drug watchdog on Tuesday for approving untested medicine in exchange for cash, the strongest signal yet from Beijing that it is serious about tackling its product safety crisis.

During Zheng Xiaoyu's tenure as head of the State Food and Drug Administration from 1997 to 2006, the agency approved six medicines that turned out to be fake, and the drug makers used falsified documents to apply for approvals, according to previous state media reports. One antibiotic caused the deaths of at least 10 people.

His execution was confirmed by state television and Xinhua News Agency.

''The few corrupt officials of the SFDA are the shame of the whole system and their scandals have revealed some very serious problems,'' agency spokeswoman Yan Jiangying said at a news conference held to highlight efforts to improve China's track record on food and drug safety.

POS · #2 07-11-2007, 08:35 AM

That's one crooked country over there. On the other hand, I wish we could "spot execute" some people like that.

Kuan · #3 07-11-2007, 09:51 AM

This guy knew they were putting antifreeze instead of glycerin in cough syrup. Thousands of kids in Bangladesh died because moms were thinking they were giving their kids something safe.

al76slc · #4 07-11-2007, 12:37 PM

As much as I appreciate the fact China is taking this stuff seriously, this guy headed the department through 2006. So he's had his trial, appeals, and execution in a year.

I think I'd personally prefer to see some sort of due process.

LaughingGravy · #5 07-11-2007, 02:33 PM

Well, he won't do that again!

Doesn't the due process include the right to a fair and speedy trial? The emphasis was on speedy in this case.

If he headed the dept. through 2006, I can only wonder what substandard and dangerous things are sitting on shelves and trailer containers to be consumed in the coming years.

If the head of their whole FDA was determined to be in cohoots (sp?) I can only imagine the number of lower people directly involved in the manufacturing.

Who knows? This may create a movement in the US to buy American.......for about 2 weeks.
The recent reporting about how much of our food comes from abroad is shocking.

Hatterasguy · #6 07-11-2007, 09:45 PM

What a wonderfull way to deal with government problems! Spot executions!

China does have some good ideas now and them.

t walgamuth · #7 07-11-2007, 10:40 PM

Death by cough suppressant

( I couldn't figure out how to spell syrup). (Is that right?)

Tom W

Surf-n-Turf · #8 07-11-2007, 11:07 PM

Tomorrow's lunch special...Zheng Xiaoyu moo goo gai pan.

Matt SD300 · #9 07-11-2007, 11:42 PM

At onetime this.. "great country" ... knew better than to do business with communist countries....................

Larry Delor · #10 07-11-2007, 11:53 PM

When they executed him, I hope their aim wasn't so good, and it took him a little while to croak completely.
I probably would've picked one of the methods used in the Movie "Seven" - the method where the guy slowly dies over a period of a year; although I would've adjusted it to 6 months, and made it hurt more.

Gurkha · #11 07-12-2007, 02:32 AM

Tell me which country is not crooked and I will show you a blatant lie, at least China is taking action, meanwhile in its neighbor India, steal and be proud, thats the motto, you can buy judges, president, whole elected party if you got the bucks, rob, rape and pillage and get away with it. I will take China over that anyday.