KateYHuang
05-02-2004, 12:29 PM
Dozens of Infants Die from Substandard Powdered Milk
Since the end of last year, over 100 babies in the Fuyang area of Anhui Province have been born with unusually large heads and short limbs. Local people call them "big head babies." It is believed that these babies drank some substandard powdered milk from a local market. Currently, several dozens babies have died, and more than 100 babies are still receiving medical treatment.
According to one report, the nutritional content of the powdered milk was far below industry standards. The protein, calcium, and phosphorus content were all less than 1/18 of the standard values.
The main cause of "big head babies" is a serious lack of nutrition. Because of edema (swelling due to retained fluid) the babies appear to be obese; however, they are actually underweight. The infants usually exhibit an abnormally swollen head, an unusually small mouth, and often a chronic low-grade fever.
Counterfeit and inferior goods are very common in Chinese markets. People, especially farmers, who generally neither ask for receipts nor suspect the authenticity of the examination seal, are very easily deceived.
In the Fuyang area of Anhui Province, many local people go to find work in big cities. Usually, young couples leave their babies in the care of their grandparents. Thus, the major food of the babies is powdered milk.
According to a report from the official China Daily website, Premier Wen Jiabao has already requested a comprehensive investigation of this incident.
Since the end of last year, over 100 babies in the Fuyang area of Anhui Province have been born with unusually large heads and short limbs. Local people call them "big head babies." It is believed that these babies drank some substandard powdered milk from a local market. Currently, several dozens babies have died, and more than 100 babies are still receiving medical treatment.
According to one report, the nutritional content of the powdered milk was far below industry standards. The protein, calcium, and phosphorus content were all less than 1/18 of the standard values.
The main cause of "big head babies" is a serious lack of nutrition. Because of edema (swelling due to retained fluid) the babies appear to be obese; however, they are actually underweight. The infants usually exhibit an abnormally swollen head, an unusually small mouth, and often a chronic low-grade fever.
Counterfeit and inferior goods are very common in Chinese markets. People, especially farmers, who generally neither ask for receipts nor suspect the authenticity of the examination seal, are very easily deceived.
In the Fuyang area of Anhui Province, many local people go to find work in big cities. Usually, young couples leave their babies in the care of their grandparents. Thus, the major food of the babies is powdered milk.
According to a report from the official China Daily website, Premier Wen Jiabao has already requested a comprehensive investigation of this incident.