The Chinese Ministry of Health confirmed the deaths of three more infants in the tainted milk scandal Monday, raising the total of infant mortalities to six, according to the International Herald Tribune.
The melamine contamination, which sickened nearly 294,000 infants and hospitalized nearly 52,000, has seriously hindered much of the‚ credibility‚ behind China’s health inspection agencies. ‚ More than 860 infants remain in the hospital, most receiving treatment for kidney problems and urinary-tract infections, according to IHT.
Because of all the controversy, China’s health ministry ordered new regulations for milk production last month. ‚ The‚ regulations‚ will tighten inspection across the board, ensuring an outbreak like this never happens again.
In response to the scandal, U.S. agencies stalled shipments of food products containing milk from China last month, until they could be inspected‚ thoroughly. ‚ The move, though perfectly sane, garnered a strong reaction from Chinese officials. ‚ Like they wouldn’t do the same.
An outbreak of this magnitude starts with negligence. ‚ Whatever the reason for the melamine scandal, it’s something that has been‚ condemned‚ by every nation that took the time to speak about it. Inspecting foods extra carefully is not an act of disrespect toward China, it’s an act of extra caution by U.S. officials.‚
Any other move would have provoked a backlash from the American community,‚ especially‚ from parents. The safety of children is much more important than protecting the feelings of another country’s health agencies.
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