Scale of Sanlu-Fonterra Corporate Manslaughter Widens

Update Sept 22-08: Sanlu Was First Banned in 2004, then Reinstated

The number of babies hospitalized with kidney stones rises above 13,000, news of dead infants appears suppressed.

53,000 babies sickened, 13,000 of them hospitalized and at least 4 dead in Sanlu-Fonterra corporate manslaughter

Australian news outlet LiveNews reported that about 13,000 Chinese children have been hospitalized after consuming contaminated Sanlu-Fonterra baby formula. However, the reported number of babies who lost their lives appears to have been suppressed by the authorities and remains at 4 dead infants.

Security staff keep order as families with children who are undergoing medical checks for possible kidney stones wait their turn at a hospital in Chongqing municipality, September 19, 2008. REUTERS/Stringer. Image may be subject to copyright.

In a new development, a Hong Kong toddler was diagnosed with a kidney stone after consuming melamine-tainted baby formula,  the first reported casualty outside mainland China. [Source]

The Chinese PM, Wen Jiabao appeared on state television promising to prevent further incidents. [More likely to prevent the news of further incidents from spreading!]

Related links:

• Fonterra Files (Index page)
• China’s Quality Watchdog Chief Quits in Wake of Milk Scandal