We Need More Effectual Safety Rules
Recently, man-made crises are around us: the contaminated infant formulas have caused the death of three babies and left thousands hospitalized.
We still don’t know exactly how many more lives were lost in this event in Shanxi, besides the 259 dead that have been recovered.
We heard accidents in several cities which remind us we should remain vigilant about safety. The latest incidents show us how vulnerable we still are, even though we have had various rules and regulations after some accidents and scandals over the last few years.
This time, at least, authorities have been efficient in addressing these crises. In a matter of days, Shanxi’s governor and one of his deputies resigned; a vice-mayor of Shijiazhuang, Sanlu’s home city, was fired; Sanlu’s chair- chairwoman of the board was sacked and subsequently detained along with 22 others. Of course, the investigations are still going on.
Compare with the 2003 SARS, the authorities showed impressive crises management skills this time.
The pain the crises left will not be cured. Because fear and suspicion are more difficult problems to solve.
Since the roster of sinners includes some of the most trusted brands, widespread distrust of domestic labels appears to be inevitable.
The Sanlu incident told us not consign consumer safety to the manufacturer. And it also reveals the inability of the safeguards that has existed.
We need rules that are more effectual than good-looking.
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