The AP reports that China’s response to the food safety scandal is an attempt from Beijing “to prove it has responded swiftly and comprehensively to eliminate the problem—one in a string of food safety scares.” The scandal came out in September2008, and there have been accusations that the Chinese government kept a lid on the scandal until after the Beijing Olympics had concluded. According to the AP, this is what happened:
“Dairy farmers and the middlemen involved in the scam conspired to increase profits by watering down milk and milk products before they sold it, fooling inspectors testing for protein content by adding melamine - used in the manufacture of plastics and fertilizers. Melamine, like protein, is high in nitrogen.”The farmer, Zhang Yujun, was charged and executed for “endangering public safety.” Gen Jinping was executed “for producing and selling toxic food.” This is according to the official Xinhua News Agency. While 21 individuals were found culpable in the scheme, these were the only two people executed for their roles. The AP reports that most executions in China are conducted by a firing squad.
The other individuals found guilty in the scandal have sentences ranging from five years to life in prison.
To read the AP article click here.
Posted: 11/24/09
