By late October, nine Chinese families whose infants they say were harmed by formula contaminated with melamine had filed lawsuits against the formula's maker, Sanlu Group, reported the International Herald Tribune. More than 54,000 children fell ill after ingesting contaminated products, and four have died. On November 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised its field agents that they could detain all Chinese products made with milk or milk-derived ingredients until they are tested and proved to be melamine-free.

Last spring, 43 states saw more than 1,400 salmonella infections connected to jalapeno and serrano peppers, and possibly tomatoes, grown in Mexico. The highest rates of illness occurred in Texas and New Mexico.