Sanlu Group

Sanlu Group (三鹿集团) was a Chinese dairy products company based in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province. It was one of the largest dairy producers in China before its involvement in a major food safety scandal in 2008.

History

Sanlu Group was established in 1956 and grew to become a leading producer of dairy products in China. The company specialized in the production of milk powder, liquid milk, and other dairy products. Sanlu's products were widely distributed across China and were also exported to various countries.

2008 Milk Scandal

In 2008, Sanlu Group became the center of a major food safety scandal when it was discovered that its infant formula products were contaminated with melamine, a toxic chemical. The contamination led to serious health issues, including kidney stones and renal failure, in thousands of infants. The scandal resulted in the deaths of at least six infants and affected over 300,000 children.

The contamination was found to be a result of melamine being added to milk to artificially increase its protein content. The scandal exposed significant regulatory failures and led to widespread public outrage. It also prompted a series of investigations and reforms in China's food safety regulations.

Aftermath

Following the scandal, Sanlu Group faced severe financial difficulties and public backlash. The company's top executives, including its chairwoman Tian Wenhua, were arrested and faced criminal charges. In December 2008, Tian Wenhua was sentenced to life imprisonment for her role in the scandal.

Sanlu Group declared bankruptcy in 2008, and its assets were acquired by the Hebei Dairy Group. The scandal had a lasting impact on China's dairy industry and led to increased scrutiny and regulation of food safety standards.

Legacy

The Sanlu milk scandal remains one of the most significant food safety incidents in China's history. It highlighted the need for stricter regulatory oversight and greater transparency in the food industry. The incident also led to increased consumer awareness and demand for higher quality and safer food products.

See also

• 2008 Chinese milk scandal
• Food safety in China
• Melamine
• Tian Wenhua
• Hebei Dairy Group