New tests find melamine in 31 Chinese milk brands
By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN, Associated Press Writer
47 minutes ago
Melamine tainting has been found in another 31 brands of Chinese milk powder, the state product safety administration reported Wednesday.
The results, shown on the administration's Web site, indicate a further widening of the scandal that has sparked massive product recalls in China and countries that received Chinese food exports ranging from infant formula to chocolate.
The contamination is blamed for the deaths of four children and kidney ailments among 54,000 others.
The State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said it tested samples from 265 brands produced before Sept. 14.
Nine of the brands containing dangerous levels of melamine were produced by the company at the center of the scandal, Sanlu, a 43 percent stake of which is owned by New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra. No date for the testing was given.
Melamine, which is high in nitrogen and used to make plastics and fertilizer, is believed to have been added to watered-down milk to mask the resulting protein deficiency and fool quality tests.
Melamine can cause kidney stones, leading to kidney failure. Infants are particularly vulnerable.
Results of earlier tests found dangerous levels of melamine in infant formula and other milk products from 22 Chinese dairy companies, while liquid milk and baked goods in which milk powder was used have also been affected.
Police have arrested 27 people in connection with the scandal, which was worsened by an apparent cover-up by companies involved and a refusal by safety officials to heed warnings from parents and doctors.
Top Sanlu executives and government officials in the northern city of Shijiazhuang where the company is based have been forced to resign.
By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN, Associated Press Writer
47 minutes ago
Melamine tainting has been found in another 31 brands of Chinese milk powder, the state product safety administration reported Wednesday.
The results, shown on the administration's Web site, indicate a further widening of the scandal that has sparked massive product recalls in China and countries that received Chinese food exports ranging from infant formula to chocolate.
The contamination is blamed for the deaths of four children and kidney ailments among 54,000 others.
The State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said it tested samples from 265 brands produced before Sept. 14.
Nine of the brands containing dangerous levels of melamine were produced by the company at the center of the scandal, Sanlu, a 43 percent stake of which is owned by New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra. No date for the testing was given.
Melamine, which is high in nitrogen and used to make plastics and fertilizer, is believed to have been added to watered-down milk to mask the resulting protein deficiency and fool quality tests.
Melamine can cause kidney stones, leading to kidney failure. Infants are particularly vulnerable.
Results of earlier tests found dangerous levels of melamine in infant formula and other milk products from 22 Chinese dairy companies, while liquid milk and baked goods in which milk powder was used have also been affected.
Police have arrested 27 people in connection with the scandal, which was worsened by an apparent cover-up by companies involved and a refusal by safety officials to heed warnings from parents and doctors.
Top Sanlu executives and government officials in the northern city of Shijiazhuang where the company is based have been forced to resign.
