China milk scandal widens

Sep 19 – The extent of China’s tainted baby milk scandal has widened after authorities say nearly 10 percent of milk samples from three major dairies were found to be contaminated.

The discovery of the industrial chemical melamine in dairy products confirms fears that the scandal was much bigger than first thought. Health authorities are trying reassure people that the chemical, which is used in plastics, isn’t as harmful to adults as it is to children. Parents are continuing to crowd hospitals and demand redress since China’s biggest maker of infant milk powder said last week that babies were sick with kidney stones and complications after drinking toxic milk powder. At the latest count, 6,244 children have become ill. Four have died and 158 are suffering "acute kidney failure".

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