Parker Waichman LLP

Melamine Scandal Forces Increased Reforms in China

Many Children Hospitalized Due To A Melamine Scandal. The Chinese Health Ministry confirms that there remain an unbelievable 10,700 children hospitalized in China after drinking melamine-laced milk, reports the Associated Press (AP).  As a result, increased inspections have become but one of the new safety measures implemented during China’s massive and ongoing tainted milk crisis.  “They […]

Melamine Scandal

Many Children Hospitalized Due To A Melamine Scandal. The Chinese Health Ministry confirms that there remain an unbelievable 10,700 children hospitalized in China after drinking melamine-laced milk, reports the Associated Press (AP).  As a result, increased inspections have become but one of the new safety measures implemented during China’s massive and ongoing tainted milk crisis.  “They (government regulators) have tightened quality control and the farmers understand that.  The farmers know they have to feed their cows well and not give them antibiotics or other things,” said one of the inspectors. “Nowadays we’re a lot stricter.”

In addition to the thousands hospitalized, four babies have died and 54,000 others have been sickened after consuming milk laced with the industrial chemical melamine.  This week, China’s government pledged to overhaul the troubled industry by monitoring every link in the supply chain that brings milk from farms to family kitchens, said the AP.  The new policies are focusing on the bottom of the supply chain, farms where raw milk is obtained.  An estimated 80 percent of all milk comes from small farmers who sell it to milk collection stations, which then sell the milk to dairy companies.

Unfortunately, government testing reveals melamine contamination to be widespread, with one-fifth of the country’s dairy companies implicated, including its largest and most reputable names.  Investigators also confirm that milk suppliers, in attempts to increase profits, watered down the milk and then added melamine to make it appear to meet protein standards.  Melamine, like protein, is high in nitrogen, which is what quality tests measure.  When added to food products—such as watered-down milk—melamine creates the false appearance of high protein levels.

Small Farmers In China Affected By Melamine Scandal

The China dairy industry has been steadily booming as that country worked “to construct the world’s milk capital and make an international brand.”  But this recent tainting crisis has seriously and adversely affected China’s small farmers who are now forced to dump milk the dairy companies will not buy, while still paying for expensive feed for their animals.  Also, farmers say they have not yet received any of the emergency subsidies promised by the government; the new regulations—being enforced by some 5,000 government inspectors—have imposed increased costs to maintain milk cows.  The inspectors have been dispatched to provide 24-hour supervision over the dairy industry and government inspectors are posted at all of China’s dairy factories.

Li Chunlan, 41, who owns a milk collection station said that she feels honest suppliers have to pay for the inappropriate actions of a few unscrupulous operators.  “If the government had taken measures earlier, then there wouldn’t be such an incident like this,” she said. “The problem has been the lack of controls and inconsistent quality. It’s existed for a long time.  I just worry about what happens when the inspectors leave.”

Melamine is used to make plastics, fertilizer, and fire retardants and is known to cause kidney stones and can lead to kidney failure.  Melamine-contaminated food products emerging out of China include tainted milk, ice cream, yogurt, candy, cheese, and dairy drinks, to name just some.

Need Legal Help Regarding Melamine Scandal?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
It was great an professional experience! Really i recomend.
Santiago Lopez
4 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Very good law firm Joanne Stevens great person to deal with and staying on top of asking and handling my injuries. Julie Trinidad as the paralegal as well always on top of case and quick response very good people
Steven Palmiotto
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Great work...these people do! My only suggestion would be more feedback where my case was in the process, but these people are BUSY, and they have a purpose in everything they do, so be patient, you won't be disappointed!
Thomas Blomgren
7 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038