credits: chinasmack.com
In 2008, the tainted milk scandal was unearthed when 16 infants were diagnosed with kidney stones after consuming the milk powder produced by the Sanlu group. The milk powder was tainted with melamine, a chemical used in plastics that can help disguise the fact that the milk is diluted, and also to increase the protein percentage in milk. Sanlu knew that the universally banned chemical was in the products but did not disclose it openly and as a result there was an estimate of 300,000 victims, many of whom were babies suffering from acute kidney failure, and it also resulted in a few deaths. The Sanlu corporation went bankrupt and the presidents were sentenced to life .
Being in the food industry, the company has the duty to ensure that products and production processes do not cause harm. However, the drive for profit may have led the Chinese milk manufacturers to mix the harmful melamine chemical with their products. By doing so, they endangered consumer welfare and violated business ethics in order to reduce production costs. As a result of disregarding food safety, it brought about widespread effects- damaging the reputation of China’s food exports, and causing the deaths of innocent babies. Is it really worth it?
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One reply on “Tainted Milk Scandal”
Some would say; yes it is worth it, as long as the public doesn’t find out.
The good thing is, is that companies are constantly being found out now, with newer technologies. As well as greater media coverage, many companies are going to find that now it really isn’t worth it.
Hopefully companies will look to the longer term, and let marketing talk, so these kinds of practices go out of date rather soon.