China Uncovers More Melamine-Tainted Milk

Chinese authorities have reportedly seized more than 25 tons of melamine-tainted milk powder from Chongqing-based Jixida Food Co. Ltd., detaining three suspects on allegations that the company planned to use the adulterated ingredient in its ice cream. Found in a warehouse, the contaminated stock evidently included some powder purchased approximately one year ago, although officials claimed that none had been used in ice cream production. According to media sources, investigators have traced the milk powder to a trading company in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and a dairy in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The arrests were apparently part of a 100-day food safety campaign organized
by the Chongqing police. In 2008, China faced a widespread scandal involving
melamine-tainted milk and infant formula that affected an estimated 300,000
people. See The Associated Press and Global Times, April 27, 2011.