Two executed over tainted milk scandal

24 Nov 2009, 6:11 pm   -   Source: AP/AFP/SBS
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Hundreds of thousands of Chinese babies became ill after drinking contaminated milk (Getty)

Hundreds of thousands of Chinese babies became ill after drinking contaminated milk (Getty)

China says it has executed two people for their roles in a milk contamination scandal in which at least six children died and more than 300,000 became sick.

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China says it has executed two people for their roles in a milk contamination scandal in which at least six children died and more than 300,000 became sick.

Zhang Yujun was executed for endangering public safety and Geng Jinping was executed for producing and selling toxic food, the official Xinhua news agency said.

The men were sentenced to death earlier this year by a court in the northern city of Shijiazhuang for producing and selling toxic ingredients that ended up in infant milk powder.

The scandal shocked China last year when children were given baby formula tainted with the industrial chemical melamine, which can cause kidney stones and kidney failure.

Melamine, used in the manufacture of plastics and fertiliser, was added to watered-down milk to fool inspectors testing for protein, and to boost profits.

Zhang, a cattle farmer, and Geng both had been convicted of producing and selling a phony protein powder containing melamine, much of it to producers who sold tainted milk to the now-defunct Sanlu Group Co, at the time one of China's biggest dairies.

No public inquiry

Geng's brother, Geng Jinzhu, was given eight years; his sentence was upheld on Thursday.

In all 21 people were tried and sentenced in January over the scandal, including Sanlu's general manager, Tian Wenhua, who was given a life sentence after pleading guilty to charges of producing and selling fake or substandard products.

Three other former Sanlu executives were given between five years and 15 years in prison.

A total of 21 defendants were being sentenced Thursday in connection with the case.

The harsh sentences underscored the government's resolve in tackling recurring food safety problems and an eagerness by the communist leadership to move past the embarrassing scandal.

However, no public investigation was ever made into accusations that news of the melamine tainting was suppressed ahead of last year's Beijing Olympic Games because the government did not want it overshadowing the prestigious event.

The scandal came to light in September 2008, reviving long-standing fears over product safety in China and leading to recalls and bans around the world of Chinese-made products.

 

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Your Comments

Proud Capitalist

Robert - from Texas, 4 years ago

Capitalism isn't a violent way of life unless you try to be a Capitalist in a Communist country like China that executes more people per capita than any other in the world. Some people don't understand that if you live in a FREE country, it is Capitalist. A free country, let's say like Canada, is Capitalist, it has to be or they would not have a banking system!, There is no form of banking system in a free country that isn't Capitalistic. When you invest to obtain a return you are a Capitalist!

Mr.

Howard - from Toronto, 4 years ago

The two executed are probably victims as well. The true culprit is the Chinese Government which does not care about pollution or sanitation or human lives. I bet that they were executed quickly so that no "higher ups" could be fingered.

New China.....

John - from Langwarrin - Victoria, 4 years ago

China is testing the violent capitalist way of life. Greed without human sense to make fortunes at any cost. The result, of course, is horrendous. Add the inhumane working conditions in the coal mines and the inevitable costs of lifes an we have a recipe for disaster. But the colossal machine is on and unstoppable and not death penalty will force the change of attitude in the savages mind of the new elite created and supported for the very same "Communist Party" founded by Chairman Mao....

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