TOXIC CHINA

China’s mounting toxic milk scandal has revived memories of a fake milk formula tragedy four years ago in which at least 13...

China’s mounting toxic milk scandal has revived memories of a fake milk formula tragedy four years ago in which at least 13 babies died, and follows a spate of product safety scares in recent years. Here is an overview of scares involving other China-made products that have caused concern:

MILK POWDER: In 2004, at least 13 babies died of malnutrition after being fed fake milk powder that contained no nutrients.

PET FOOD: Thousands dogs and cats fell ill and more than 200 died in the US after Chinese suppliers were discovered to have added melamine in wheat gluten and rice protein to exported pet food in 2007.

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TOOTHPASTE: Two brands of Chinese toothpaste were banned in the Dominican Republic in May 2007 because of fears that they contain the lethal chemical diethylene glycol, which was held responsible for mass poisoning deaths in Panama in 2006.

EGGS: In November 2006, Hong Kong and several Chinese cities were rocked by a scare over duck eggs tainted with Sudan IV, a cancer-causing red dye.

DUMPLINGS: China-made frozen dumplings contaminated with pesticide made 10 Japanese sick in February 2008.

DRUGS: Chinese-made heparin, a blood thinner, has been blamed for fatalities and adverse reactions in US and German patients.

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TOYS: The world’s largest toymaker, Mattel, recalled more than 18 million made-in-China toys a year ago because of hazards from powerful magnets that can cause injury, just two weeks after it recalled 1.5 million toys due to fears about lead paint.