Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has called on the Department of Commerce to investigate the food safety of garlic grown in Communist China. In a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Senator Scott expressed concerns over reports that garlic in China is grown in human sewage, bleached, and harvested under abhorrent conditions, often involving slave labor.

To address these concerns, Senator Scott plans to introduce two acts: the SEWAGE GARLIC Imports Act and the SEWAGE GARLIC Imports Tariff Act. These acts aim to address the growth practices and safety of garlic produced in China for human consumption.

In his letter to Secretary Raimondo, Senator Scott invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Commerce to conduct investigations into the effects of imports on national security. He requested an investigation into imports of all grades of garlic from Communist China and their potential threat to U.S. national security.

Senator Scott highlighted the importance of food safety and security, stating that it is an existential emergency that poses grave threats to national security, public health, and economic prosperity. He pointed out that the U.S. International Trade Commission has maintained antidumping duties on fresh garlic from China for nearly 30 years, and the Government Accountability Office found unpaid antidumping and countervailing duties on fresh garlic totaling over half a billion dollars.

The senator also raised concerns about the quality and safety of garlic grown in China, particularly noting China's status as the largest market-share holder and top exporter of garlic to the U.S. He cited documented practices in China, such as fertilizing garlic with human feces and sewage, bleaching garlic to make it appear cleaner, and stripping the root end of garlic before it enters U.S. markets.

Senator Scott emphasized the importance of ensuring the integrity and safety of garlic as a widely-used product for cooking and food preparation. He argued that guaranteeing the safety of the food supply is essential for a strong and stable economy, domestic tranquility, a productive society, public health, and national security.

According to the law, once a Section 232 investigation is requested, the Department of Commerce must initiate an appropriate investigation to determine the effects of the imports on national security. Commerce has 270 days to prepare a report advising the president on whether the targeted product is being imported in quantities or under circumstances that impair national security.

The investigation must consider factors such as existing domestic production, future capacity needs, manpower and resources required for national defense, growth requirements, and the impacts of foreign competition on the domestic industry. Based on the findings, the president may choose to impose tariffs or quotas to counteract any adverse effects.

Senator Scott believes that food safety issues, particularly concerning garlic from China grown and produced with unsanitary practices, warrant an investigation by the Department of Commerce.

The article does not specify the closing of the letter or provide any more information.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-rick-scott-to-commerce-sewage-garlic-grown-in-communist-china-has-no-place-in-american-grocery-stores