Melanine Use in Milk: Standard Practice in China

Melamine added to baby powdered milk was an unspoken practice illegally used in China.

Sources have revealed the Ministry of Health held a confidential national video-conference, in response to the recent melamine contaminated milk powder scandal.

So far, at least 12,892 infants have been hospitalised, 80 percent aged under two, with over a hundred critically ill and at least four dead. The scandal exposing the tainted powdered formula for babies broke early September.

During the video conference it was revealed how dairy companies had made it a standard practice, of adding melamine to the milk powder, to adjust the texture, thickness and flavor of the milk. In fact, the practice was widespread in China with dairy companies successfully using the formula in proper proportions.

Also shown, were pictures of dairy companies stocking up on melamine.

Speculation suggested, that problems in the Sanlu Group milk powder had surfaced because both Sanlu and its suppliers had added melamine to the final product and to the raw materials - or that perhaps Sanlu was unaware of mistakes in its workflow which eventually resulted in adding too much melanine.

Experts said flavor played an important role in marketing milk powder products. Childrens' flavor preferences controlled parents' choices when buying; so dairy companies had added melamine anticipating market demand. Melamine was cheap and increased protein content of milk products due to a high nitrogen element.

Adding melamine to milk products was standard practice, involving a series of long term experiments. Big companies with strong financial and technical backing were exempted from inspection and so engaged in the practice freely. They ensured the dosage, of melamine, used would not cause serious problems, and could easily make the addition of melamine undetectable when necessary.

Ministry of Health's Actions

According to sources, Chinese authorities dismissed the Sanlu Group chairman, however, a new management team was put in place. Indicating the authorities still wanted to help Sanlu pull through the crisis.

China's Politburo is rumoured to have rejected Wen Jiabao's request after he submitted a letter of resignation, due to pressure from inside China and from overseas countries.

Currently, the Chinese regime is trying to blame dairy farmers and sellers for the scandal. They are also trying to divert public attention toward specific companies or individuals hoping to cover up the illegal practice of adding melamine to milk products. They are also trying to minimize the affect of the scandal to save the dairy industry.

In Hebei Province, 12 people have been recently arrested and at least six are suspected of selling large quantities of melamine to dairy companies, indicating that dairy companies were actively stocking up on melamine.

Update on Present Situation
Almost 13, 000 children have been hospitalized for drinking tainted milk, 104 are critical and four have died.

According to China's Department of Public Health figures a total of 39,965l children who have taken medication or received treatment, have recovered.

Almost 82 percent were infants less than two years old, 17.33 percent were aged between two and three, and 0.3 percent more than three years old.

Hong Kong media reported on September 21 that a three-and-a-half year old girl was found two days ago with kidney stones after consuming Yili milk powder over a long period.

The Food and Health Bureau of Hong Kong are considering sueing the Yili Group.

In addition, Food Safety Center of Hong Kong announced, Monday, melamine was found in a 1kg pack of pure milk from Nestle provided to restaurants.
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