the milk scandal (毒奶粉事件)
Now with the Australian food regulators testing imported Chinese food for traces of melamine, do you really know what the fuss is all about? We have heard and seen the milk powder chaos on television and thought to ourselves- those poor kids. What is the story behind all this?
Once upon a time...
The story came to light on 5 September 2008 when New Zealand company Fonterra (owner of Sanlu [三鹿]) contacted NZ authorities. NZ Prime Minister contacted Beijing directly and the matter became public three days later. However, there are many allegations of cover-ups by the Chinese authorities and from the company itself. It has been alleged that Sanlu has received customer complaints since March 2008. The management team is alleged to have known of these problems since June. The authorities did not investigate doctors' reports of unusual kidney stone formation in young children who have consumed Sanlu milk products.At least 4 infants are dead with over 55,000 affected.
It has cost a lot of high-profile jobs including the head of the Chinese quality screening agency (Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine). China's Ministry of Agriculture has just embarked on a plan to overhaul the milk industry to restore international confidence in Chinese food safety standards.
Melamine (三聚氰胺)
Melamine is a chemical used in the production of plastics, resins, fabrics and glues. Due to its high nitrogen content, it is also made into fertilisers. In small doses, melamine is non-toxic, however when combined with cyanuric acid it may cause bladder/kidney stones and reproductive damage.Why use melamine?
Melamine may have been used to potentially hide a cover-up by manufacturers in diluting the milk powder. Melamine falsely increases the level of protein measured in milk by increasing the levels of nitrogen. Manufacturers can decrease the amount of 'real' milk and increase water levels to reduce costs. Even when tested, this diluted milk will pass regulations due to the artificially inflated protein level.
Ramifications...
Food recalls have been made across Asia including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. The recalls have not just been confined to milk powder. It also includes products that are produced from the powder including some cakes, yoghurts, ice creams, drink sachets (hot chocolate, coffee and yin yang), lollies (white rabbit) and even baby porridge. All these products used mainland milk as an ingredient.
Several high profile dairy brands have fallen, including several overseas brands with production facilities in China. Desperate mainlanders have crossed the border into the northern regions of Hong Kong clearing the shelves of imported milk powders. Desperate Hong Kong people have had emotions boil over at Princess Margaret Hospital and various other health institutions at the poor management of quota schedules, double charging and general inefficiencies and inadequacies in planning for the upsurge of patients.
benny | Wednesday, September 24, 2008 
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