New Milk Scandal Reporting Banned in China: Watchdog

Chinese officials have banned independent reporting on the latest toxic food scandal involving melamine, a chemical blamed for the deaths of six babies in 2008.

Chinese officials have banned independent reporting on the latest toxic food scandal involving melamine, a chemical blamed for the deaths of six babies in 2008, according to a press watchdog on Thursday.

The International Federation of Journalists, citing local sources, said censors in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong had ordered that media outlets "must only use information formally released by the authorities".

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Kids with a history of consuming melamine-contaminated milk powder are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones and other urological complications, says two new studies.

There was no immediate comment from authorities in Guangdong, which borders Hong Kong.

"The (IFJ) is appalled at the latest media order issued by Guangdong Province Propaganda Department banning independent reporting on a new toxic melamine milk scandal," the Brussels-based group said in a statement.

IFJ general secretary Aidan White said the order "raises further concerns about prioritising censorship over the well-being of citizens".

China Firms Found Selling Melamine-tainted Food: State Media Report
According to a state media report on Monday, three Chinese companies have been found selling food products tainted with melamine, the chemical blamed for the deaths of six babies.

The watchdog warned in a report this week that China is intensifying its clampdown on local and foreign journalists. Related article: China clamps down on press

White called on the central government in Beijing to "intervene immediately to ensure that all vital information regarding the health of citizens reaches the public".

Probe into New Tainted Milk Products in China
China has launched a probe into food safety after the new discovery of products laced with melamine, a chemical blamed for the deaths of six babies in a huge scandal in 2008.

The melamine contamination in 2008 was blamed for killing at least six babies and sickening more than 300,000 people. The chemical was found to have been added to milk in China to give the appearance of a higher protein content.

Now, Chinese reports say that tainted products supposed to have been destroyed after the 2008 scandal have found their way back on to the market.

Police have arrested four people involved in the dairy industry in the northern city of Weinan, state media reported Wednesday.

And in a sign of growing official concern, the government has rushed inspectors to 16 provinces to check for food-safety problems, Xinhua news agency said Tuesday.

A total of 21 people have reportedly been convicted over the 2008 scare. Two have been executed and others were given jail sentences ranging from two years to life.

Source-AFP
THK

New Milk Scandal Reports Banned in China: Watchdog

Chinese officials have banned independent reporting on the latest toxic food scandal involving melamine, a chemical blamed for the deaths of six babies in 2008.