Forty-seven people detained in China over deadly milk powder scandal

Forty-seven people have been arrested following a scandal in which at least 12 babies died from consuming sub-standard milk powder, in a case that highlighted the poor food safety standards in China. In the first official death toll from the tragedy, an investigation ordered by Premier Wen Jiabao found that 12 babies died and 229 were suffering malnutrition after drinking the fake formula, Xinhau news agency said Monday. Earlier state media reports said 13 babies were killed and 189 were affected, mostly in Fuyang city in eastern Anhui province last month. Xinhua said 40 of those being held were arrested on charges of producing and marketing fake products deficient in protein and other essential nutrients, and for selling unhygienic food causing diseases. Investigators discovered 141 factories in seven provinces and regions making the fake powder. Even Beijing and Shanghai had factories churning out the deadly formula. The scandal shocked the nation, prompting Wen to order an investigation, warning of harsh punishment. The cases highlight a lack of supervision in the production and sale of low-quality, fake and harmful products that flood China’s market and have long been a source of widespread consumer dissatisfaction. afp

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