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Bad milk powder killed 16 babies (30/4/2004)
Bad milk powder killed 16 babies 30/4/2004 South China Morning Post
Investigations into the infant formula scandal have found that the
substandard milk powder was sold in 26 locations and caused the deaths
of at least 16 babies, according to reports in state media.
Three babies had died in Chongqing (重慶), the Chongqing Evening News reported, adding to the 13 deaths attributed to the fake formula in Anhui (安徽省).
Deputy Procurator- General
Sun Qian (孫謙) said yesterday that investigators were focusing on
tracing those responsible for producing the fake and substandard
products.
Mr. Sun called for the
prompt arrest and prosecution of those responsible, Xinhua reported. He
also urged stiff punishment, including jail sentences.
If any government officers
were found to have protected the producers of the fake formula or
overlooked their crimes, they would be prosecuted as well, Mr. Sun said.
Investigators have discovered 127 tonnes of substandard formula.
In addition to Chongqing,
the substandard milk powder has been found in Zhejiang (浙江省),
Guangdong, Henan (河南省), and also Hunan (湖南省), Hubei (湖北省), Jiangxi
(江西省), Beijing and Shanghai, according to the Beijing Youth Daily.
In Anhui (安徽省), where the
most serious effects have been felt, at least 171 malnourished babies
have been officially identified, including the 13 that died.
Other reports have put the number of malnourished babies in the province as high as 354.
Nine local and
foreign-funded firms have donated 4,985 cartons of milk powder to
Fuyang city in Anhui to help the infants who had been fed on the
substandard product, Xinhua said.
The scandal has shocked the nation, with Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶) ordering an investigation and warning of harsh punishment.
The investigation has so far led to the detention of 39 suspects.
The cases highlight the
lack of supervision and control over the production and sale of
low-quality, fake and harmful products that flood the mainland and have
long been a source of widespread consumer dissatisfaction.
Thirteen mainland dairy
manufacturers signed a pact on Wednesday to promise honest trade in an
attempt to save their hard-hit market, according to Sohu.com. (Reporter: Chan Siu-sin)
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