China’s Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) took immediate steps to contain fear psychosis created by reports of infants taken ill across China after consuming contaminated milk food. The samples of the milk food which allegedly killed one and made sick more than 50 infants are sent to different labs for testing, and also sent officials to the affected areas to investigate the intensity of the crisis. The administration has called for a national campaign to test the quality of all milk products.
The investigators have identified Melamine a chemical that is exploited to mimic high proteins in milk products as the chief culprit. The chemical is understood to cause serious conditions like crystallization in urinary tracts and other kidney problems if consumed. Chinese Health Ministry has sent out strong signals by stating the perpetrators will have to face dire consequences if found guilty.
The reports have prompted Food and Drug Administration to alert the Asian community to avoid buying these milk products which have found way through improper channels to Chinese groceries in the US. Though no importation of milk foods from China is allowed yet the situation recalled last year’s poisonings with the same contaminant which killed several pets in the US.
The New Zealand farmers cooperative Fonterra, the largest exporter of dairy products has controlling stake in the Shijiazhuang Sanlu Dairy Group whose milk products are detected tainted. The poisoning issue has forced Fonterra to come out with a statement the foray into China was to cater to the domestic markets, and confirmed none of its export commitments are met through its Chinese subsidiary.
Nevertheless, Sanlu spokesman stated they have identified the tainted stock as products manufactured before 6 August and have recalled 700 tons of the same. Analysts opined that this will be a huge setback for China’s exports as reports such as poisoned Chinese dumplings, tainted toothpaste, toys and seafood, and a ever growing list of related goods are often hitting the headlines. China’s economy expanded by 11.9 percent last year and has already showing signs of slower growth by registering just 10.1 percent in the second quarter of this year.