China Imports - A Major Concern

The poor quality of imports from China is becoming a major focus for consumer watchdogs. New reports from mainland China indicate that the Chinese public is also starting to worry. More than 20% of their locally consumed food products won't pass muster by even their own sub-standard standards and producers of suspect products are being reported by whistle blowers. Some of those who have dropped a dime on devious producers have wound up dead.

Pickled vegetables, long a Chinese favorite have been discovered to be poisonous when processed with DDVD, a carcinogenic. The product, well known in one province, is simply shipped to other unsuspecting areas.

John Edwards, former Senator and now a presidential candidate is proposing an origin label for all meat products. Americans have been urged to read all labels for origin or in the case of seafood and meats ask the counterman. He must tell you where the product comes from! If he won't - shop somewhere else.

Multiplex Downtown?
Vintage Group, as part of the Urban Renewal Project for Riverhead has proposed construction of a 10 screen multiplex cinema theater, an upscale retail store and parking garage for 1000 cars in the vicinity of Railroad Avenue and Court Street. A public hearing is scheduled for July 17 at 7:00 pm. Vintage claims that project will provide 165 construction jobs and 300 jobs after completion. They claim that the Town will receive $500,000 a year from the project.

A Correction - of sorts.
Newsday is now reporting that the former Riverhead Fire Commissioner accused of misappropriating Fire District funds ($100,000) is being charged with alleged inappropriate investment of District funds in a private company in violation of District rules. Is this getting confusing? Stay tuned.