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China takes blame in milk scandal | China takes blame in milk scandal |
(about 6 hours later) | |
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said the government is partly responsible for the tainted milk scandal which has left thousands of children sick. | Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said the government is partly responsible for the tainted milk scandal which has left thousands of children sick. |
In a rare interview with Science magazine, Mr Wen said the government felt "great sorrow" about the crisis, which also killed four children. | |
He said while the problems were with a private company, the government had not properly supervised the dairy industry. | He said while the problems were with a private company, the government had not properly supervised the dairy industry. |
Milk powder was contaminated with the industrial chemical, melamine. | Milk powder was contaminated with the industrial chemical, melamine. |
Suppliers are believed to have added the banned chemical, normally used in plastics, to watered-down milk in order to make it appear higher in protein. | Suppliers are believed to have added the banned chemical, normally used in plastics, to watered-down milk in order to make it appear higher in protein. |
About 53,000 children became ill. Most of the victims were under two-years-old. | About 53,000 children became ill. Most of the victims were under two-years-old. |
Firms collapse | Firms collapse |
"We feel great sorrow about the milk incident," Mr Wen was quoted as saying in the magazine, which is published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. | |
"We feel that although problems occurred at the company, the government also has a responsibility." | "We feel that although problems occurred at the company, the government also has a responsibility." |
Correspondents say domestic and export markets in products containing Chinese milk powder have stymied, and scores of dairy firms in the country have collapsed. | Correspondents say domestic and export markets in products containing Chinese milk powder have stymied, and scores of dairy firms in the country have collapsed. |
Mr Wen said that clear standards and testing requirements were needed in all the steps of making milk - the production of raw milk, collection, transportation, processing and making formula. | |
"I once again solemnly emphasize that it is absolutely impermissible to sacrifice people's lives and health in exchange for temporary economic development," he said. | "I once again solemnly emphasize that it is absolutely impermissible to sacrifice people's lives and health in exchange for temporary economic development," he said. |
"Food, all food, must meet international standards." | "Food, all food, must meet international standards." |
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