It seems that so many recalls and associated bad news have been coming from China in recent months. First, it was all about certain components in pet food (melamine), then possible contaminations in Chinese produce, toothpaste, then industrial chemicals inside many imported Chinese food products. Heck, even Chinese auto tires have been under the microscope.

So, with all the bad news, China has closed 180 food factories after inspection teams found chemicals inside products that ranged from candy to seafood to toothpaste. Chinese imports have been under intense scrutiny for good reason in recent times due to the shoddy quality of many of them (home electronics items are prime offenders), but when the junky product list includes food and items meant for human consumption, the buck stops there.

Even recycled and expired food was found in the manufacturing chain according to China Daily in addition to such items as formaldehyde (a toxic preservative), illegal dyes and industrial wax. When you connect those items to food like crackers and seafood, it's amazing many people have not died from eating Chinese-made food items. Were these cases the work of a few rogue Chinese workers? Hardly -- this is a systemic problem with Chinese manufacturers from all accounts, with many of them being small enterprises according to Chinese authorities. Are those Chinese-made noodles in that box of mac & cheese?