Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
July 12, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Authorities in China have found contaminated milk in as many as three provinces and also reported the second death related to the contamination. The milk has reportedly affected 1200 people all over. The contaminating material is said to be left over from the 2008 milk scandal that plagued the country and caused 6 deaths and sickening of 300,000 people.

A recent survey revealed that around 64 tonnes of raw dairy products are contaminated with the poisonous chemical melamine and the milk powder itself contained 500 times more melamine than the allowed level of the toxin. According to the Chinese authorities the melamine in the mil products could be a result of the 2008 stocks not being destroyed and instead being stored. It is a worrying piece of information for the Chinese as the milk products are still in the market and being sold illegally all over. China had ordered the stocks of the dairy products to be burned or buried after the 2008 scandal but the Chinese government, however, did not participate itself in the process of destruction of the contaminated products.

According to some UN officials, the problem could crop up again and again as small industries fail to meet the safety standards necessary for the production of the milk products. Another UN representative pointed out that the recent discovery highlights China’s struggle to step up food safety. Sanlu, which is one of the leading producers of milk products in China has often been in the news for its samples being tested positive for toxic materials. The company has reportedly sealed off around 2100 tonnes and more than 700 tonnes is yet to be recalled from the market according to sources.