Hong Kong’s Ta Kung Pao reported Zhang’s speech on “Preserving the Quality and Safety of Foods and Promoting the Healthy Development of Industries” at China’s Seventh Summit Forum for the Food Exposition and Industry in Luohe City, Henan Province.
Zhang summarized three impacts from the incident:
—First, it seriously impacted public safety, especially the health of infants. According to the statistics, more than 20 million children were taken to hospitals, including 30,000 confirmed cases and 6 deaths.
—Second, it caused an “immeasurable” impact on China’s economy. According to incomplete statistics, after the tainted milk incident happened, 128 countries suspended the import of Chinese dairy products. Both the domestic and export losses totaled over 100 billion yuan.
—Lastly, was the damage caused to the reputation of “Made in China” products. Many products made in China, related or unrelated to the dairy industry, are now difficult to sell overseas, and even domestically. In addition to the financial crisis, this has made things even more difficult.
Zhang said although the tainted milk incident has come to an end, the authorities haven’t done a systematic and in-depth investigation and analysis on the circumstances, such as the cause of the incident, the subjective and objective conditions, and how to prevent it, and so on.
