China Embroiled in Tainted Pork Scandal

SHANGHAIChina is embroiled in yet another food scandal after 19 pigs in central China's Henan Province tested positive for the banned additive clenbuterol, reported the China Post. The latest crisis comes just a few years after the 2008 melamine scandal that sickened thousands, killed at least six children and nearly destroyed Chinas dairy industry.

Henan Shuanghui Investment and Development Co., Chinas largest meat processor, halted operations at one of its pork processing facilities and issued a public apology. The companys Shineway brand pork products were produced from pigs fed clenbuterol, an additive that can speed up muscle building and fat burning to produce leaner pork.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement website, clenbuterol is used in animal feed to increase muscle mass in livestock. There have been several outbreaks of acute illness in Spain, France, Italy, China and Portugal after consumers ate meat containing clenbuterol residues. Symptoms included increased heart rate, nervousness, headache, muscular tremor, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, typically resolved within two to six days.