Parker Waichman LLP

Liquid Milk Now Implicated in Growing China Baby Formula Scandal

In the ongoing scandal over tainted baby formula and dairy products, China has added liquid milk to its contaminated product crisis.  First it was baby formula powder tainted with melamine that killed four babies and injured 6,200 others, then, ice cream bars were found to be similarly tainted.  Now, liquid milk. About 1,300 babies, mostly […]

In the ongoing scandal over <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/food_poisoning">tainted baby formula and dairy products, China has added liquid milk to its contaminated product crisis.  First it was baby formula powder tainted with melamine that killed four babies and injured 6,200 others, then, ice cream bars were found to be similarly tainted.  Now, liquid milk. About 1,300 babies, mostly newborns, remain hospitalized; 158 are suffering from acute kidney failure.

Although officials said liquid milk was safe, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said today that milk sold in liquid form by three leading Chinese dairies has also been found to be contaminated with melamine.  Also, a report posted on the agency’s Website stated that test results indicated nearly 10 per cent of those samples taken from Mengniu Dairy Group Company and Yili Industrial Group Company—two of China’s largest dairy companies—were contaminated with up to 8.4 milligrams of melamine per kilogram.  Additionally, milk tested from Shanghai-based Bright Dairy revealed melamine contamination.  “AQSIQ will strictly find out the reason for adding the melamine and severely punish those who are responsible,” the notice said, adding that all the batches that tested positive were being recalled.

Melamine, which can trigger kidney failure, is the chemical found in contaminated pet food exports last year that caused the death of thousands of U.S. pets.  Melamine has no nutritional value and is used in plastics, fertilizers, fire retardants, and cleaning products.  Because of its high nitrogen levels, it can make protein levels of diluted milk appear higher.

Hundreds of parents looking for answers and refunds descended on Sanlu Group Company, the firm at the center of the scandal.  Thousands of other parents filled hospitals with children hooked to IV drips after drinking the tainted milk powder.  One baby, Yao Haoge, an 11-month-old with two large kidney stones, drank formula produced by Sanlu since she was born.  Her parents were concerned by her fevers and dark urine.  It never occurred to them she had kidney stones due to tainted formula.  Haoge is now hooked up with an IV in her head.  “We don’t make much money, but we wanted to buy good milk powder,” said her father, Yao Weiguan, a day-labourer from a small town an hour’s train ride from Shijiazhuang.  “We thought it was good and now it’s given us problems.”

Sanlu reportedly received complaints about its formula as early as March; tests revealed the contamination by early August.  It took Sanlu until September 11—after its New Zealand stakeholder, Fonterra, told its government, which then informed the Chinese government—to go public with a recall.

Suppliers trying to cut costs are believed to have added melamine to diluted milk to cover up the protein deficiency.  In addition to Sanlu, China’s quality control watchdog reports that one-fifth of companies producing milk powder in China had melamine in their products.  A total of 18 people have been arrested over the scandal and the police there said six suspects allegedly sold melamine, while the remainder are accused of adding melamine to milk.

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
Michele Josama Has been an Amazing Help, I appreciate all she has done!! Her customers service is 100%.
Angee Hammond
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I want copy for court cases for vaccines injuries . My little girl have signs of GBS
Wael Jaber
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism
brett Di Resta
3 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