Saba Changizi’s Case Study on the 2008 Chinese Milk Scandal

Mother holds her baby inside of a grocery store.

In September 2008, 300,000 Chinese infants and children experienced kidney and urinary tract issues as a result of the addition of Melamine to infant formula. Following the death of six infants, the Chinese government recalled over 9,000 tonnes of milk powder.

In this case study, Changizi reports on the public health response of the Chinese Ministry of Health as well as the World Health Organization. Changizi emphasizes the need for stricter food safety regulations as well as the importance of real-time reporting to health authorities for more effective public health communication.