Government raises tainted milk scandal toll

More than 300,000 babies have fallen ill and six likely died in the tainted milk powder scandal according to new numbers released by the Health Ministry, AP reported. The revised death toll is twice the previous figure, and the number of babies fallen ill is six times higher than the number released in September. Chinese families affected by the tainted milk fear that without a firm government verdict they will be denied compensation from the Health Ministry. According to the government, Sanlu, the dairy company at the center of the scandal, knew as early as last year that its products were contaminated, and that local government officials cooperated with Sanlu to cover it up. Sanlu's formal quality controls allowed it to be exempted from government inspection. The dairy industry has been hard hit by the scandal as a whole. Dairy exports fell 92% in October.