More Lawsuits Filed in China over Melamine-Contaminated Milk

According to a news source, nine families whose babies developed kidney problems allegedly as a result of drinking milk tainted with melamine have filed individual lawsuits against the Sanlu Group, one of China’s largest milk companies. Each child developed kidney stones, and six reportedly remain hospitalized. The families are seeking the equivalent of US$2,000 for each child as compensation. Even though the families live in different provinces, the lawsuits were all filed in the northern city of Shijiazhuang, where the company is based. No judge has yet agreed to hear any of the milk cases in court, and a number of lawyers have apparently been pressured by government officials not to represent families seeking damages. See The New York Times, October 31, 2008.