2008 Chinese milk scandal

2008 Chinese Milk Scandal was a significant food safety incident in the People's Republic of China. The scandal involved milk and infant formula adulterated with Melamine.

Background

In 2008, China's dairy industry was rocked by a scandal involving the addition of melamine, a chemical compound used in plastics and resins, to milk and infant formula. The adulteration was done to increase the apparent protein content of the products. The scandal affected an estimated 300,000 victims, with six infants dying from kidney stones and other kidney damage, and an estimated 54,000 babies being hospitalized.

Discovery

The issue was first brought to light through a series of complaints from parents who noticed their children developing kidney stones, a highly unusual condition in infants. Upon investigation, it was discovered that all the affected children had been fed milk powder produced by Sanlu Group, one of the leading dairy producers in China.

Aftermath

The scandal led to widespread public outrage, both domestically and internationally. It resulted in a series of legal and regulatory changes in China's food safety system, including increased regulation and enforcement. Several high-ranking officials and company executives were sentenced to long prison terms, and Sanlu Group was declared bankrupt in December 2008.

International Impact

The scandal had a significant impact on China's international reputation, particularly in terms of food safety. Many countries imposed bans on Chinese dairy and other food products. The scandal also led to a decline in consumer confidence in Chinese-made products, both domestically and internationally.

See Also

• Food safety incidents in China
• Melamine
• Sanlu Group

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