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China seizes 26 tons of melamine-tainted milk

By Helena Hong, CNN
The seized milk had been intended for use in ice cream, officials said.
The seized milk had been intended for use in ice cream, officials said.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • None of the contaminated milk power made it to the market, officials say
  • Police detain 3 people in connection with the case
  • Tainted milk killed at least six babies and sickened thousands in 2008
RELATED TOPICS
  • China

Beijing (CNN) -- Police in southwestern China seized more than 26 tons of melamine-tainted milk powder intended for use in ice cream, officials said.

The Public Safety Bureau in the city of Chongqing said the factory that bought the milk had closed for equipment maintenance. And therefore, none of the contaminated milk powder made it into the market.

Police have detained three people in connection with the case.

Melamine is commonly used in coatings and laminates, wood adhesives, fabric coatings, ceiling tiles and flame retardants.

Some Chinese dairy plants add the chemical to milk products so they appear to have a higher protein level.

A scandal erupted in 2008 when tainted milk killed at least six babies, and caused kidney stones and urinary tract problems in hundreds of thousands of children.

In all, 21 people were tried and sentenced for their roles in the scandal. Two were executed.

The company at the center of it filed for bankruptcy.

The Chongqing seizure took place on March 25. City officials announced it on Tuesday, as they kicked off a 100-day food safety campaign.