True horror of Sanlu milk scandal revealed

The Chinese government has admitted that nearly 300,000 children have been sickened by tainted milk products – six times more than was previously thought.

The dramatic increase was published in a statement on a government website. Authorities have also acknowledged that at least six children died after drinking infant formula contaminated with industrial chemicals – two more than earlier reported.
The scandal surrounding China’s toxic milk erupted in September when Chinese dairy company Sanlu Group publicly acknowledged that its baby formula contained melamine – a chemical that artificially increases the protein content of milk products, but can also cause kidney failure.
Several high-ranking officials have been arrested or fired, accused of negligence for failing to prevent the contamination. The latest figures come as hundreds of angry parents seek compensation from the government over the scandal.