In a move that underscores rising tensions between the United States and China, Republican Senator Rick Scott has called for a comprehensive government investigation into the national security implications of garlic imports from China. Citing concerns over unsanitary production methods, Senator Scott has written to the commerce secretary, urging swift action.
China, as the world’s leading exporter of fresh and chilled garlic, has long been a significant player in the global garlic trade. The United States, a major consumer of garlic, has consistently voiced grievances, accusing China of engaging in “dumping” practices—flooding the market with garlic at prices below production costs.
The contentious trade relationship has prompted the US to impose heavy tariffs and taxes on Chinese garlic imports since the mid-1990s. During the Trump administration in 2019, these tariffs were further increased, escalating tensions in the ongoing economic feud.
Senator Scott’s letter addresses not only economic concerns but delves into alarming public health issues allegedly associated with Chinese garlic production. He points to “severe public health concern[s] over the quality and safety of garlic grown in foreign countries,” particularly emphasizing garlic cultivated in “Communist China.”
Citing documented evidence from online videos, cooking blogs, and documentaries, Senator Scott raises disturbing claims, including the practice of growing garlic in sewage. He calls on the Department of Commerce to invoke an investigative law that allows assessments of specific imports’ impact on US security.
The senator provides a detailed list of garlic types that should be subject to scrutiny: “All grades of garlic, whole or separated into cloves, whether or not peeled, chilled, fresh, frozen, provisionally preserved, or packed in water or other neutral substance.”
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Senator Scott asserts, “Food safety and security is an existential emergency that poses grave threats to our national security, public health, and economic prosperity.”
However, not all experts are convinced by the claims. The Office for Science and Society at McGill University in Quebec disputes Senator Scott’s allegations, stating that there is “no evidence” supporting the use of sewage as fertilizer for growing garlic in China. In a 2017 article, the university notes that while the idea may be unappealing, using human sewage as fertilizer is as effective and safe as animal waste. The scientific community remains divided on the issue, adding complexity to the already contentious trade dispute.
