Many Arrests, Fewer Answers in Melamine Milk Scandal

When it comes to the melamine milk scandal, we still aren't seeing the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.  The death toll has risen to four babies, and over a thousand remain hospitalized with kidney complications.  Many expect these numbers to continue climbing, and parents nationwide are panicked over what to feed their children./span>

Some are buying foreign formulas, since they've lost confidence in domestic brands.  One Beijing/st1 :city> father visited three different grocery stores before finding the right brand of formula.  Another shopper asked, "Is food safe in restaurants?  Nobody can guarantee that, but we trust famous brands' quality as well as governmental food standards."/span>

Though the government's response to the scandal has been late, they're definitely taking action now.  Five thousand government employees have been sent out to inspect the milk supply, and the inspection standards have already changed.  Previously some of the most reputable brands, like Sanlu, Mengniu, and Yili didn't have to undergo the normal safety testing.  Now, especially since all had melamine contamination, all brands must meet strict safety standards. /span>

Ji Chuntang, the mayor of Shijiazhuang/st1 :city>, the city of the Sanlu Group's headquarters and the first melamine reports, was fired from post and relieved of his Communist Party duties for not dealing with the scandal earlier.  Although he knew of the melamine August 2, he didn't alert the provincial government until September 9.  It would be interesting how things would have unfolded if he did alert higher officials earlier.  Could this level of scandal emerged during the Olympics?  We'll never know. /span>

Police arrested another 12 people today, bringing the grand total of those apprehended for tampering with milk products to 18.  Twelve of them directly tampered with the milk, and the other six sold melamine to producers.  I highly doubt these are the only guilty parties, and definitely expect this number to rise within the week.     /span>

Despite the government's involvement, many consumers still don't feel safe.  One Beijing/st1 :city> mother was one of thousands waiting outside the hospital with her baby.  She was extremely frustrated with the process, and could not "understand why our government allows food to be sold in the market without inspection.  I can't agree with that!  Food should be strictly inspected!"  /span>

She "spent several hours in the supermarket deciding what we should buy, but to be honest, we really don't know.  What can we feed our baby if we don't buy milk powder, since I can't breastfeed her?  She has nothing to eat."/span>

Unfortunately, it's not just the parents with infants who are struggling.  Since melamine traces have been found in other milk products, including yogurt, ice cream, and even certain breads, many don't know what's safe to consume.  At the very least, the massive media spotlight on the problem has alerted consumers on the contaminated foods, has let them know many foods to avoid./span>