Beware of Milk from China

I think I will be stopping my baking for the time being. How sad. But there is good reason.

Not sure if you know the news, there is a big milk brand from China, which made big news these days because they added melamine to their milk and milk products. Just google and you will find it. This chemical is used to make plastic, and has killed 4 infants in China, making 6200 others sick. It is added to the milk and milk products to give the appearance of higher protein levels. This chemical can cause kidney disease, bladder stones, and cancer.

Starbucks in China has stopped selling milk and milk-based items in China. Being in Asia, Singapore is not spared from these too. It is a good thing that the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore has conducted some tests on some products and promptly pulled them off the shelves. These are popular brands we are talking about - Meiji, Dutch Lady, Wall's ice cream etc. Though not the whole product range is affected, I will be avoiding these brands. These brands are not from Sanlu directly, but they contain milk from Sanlu. I usually use Meiji milk for my baking, though it is not mentioned that this particular milk is affected, I will not be taking any chances.

In today's papers, there is also mention that butter from Phoon Huat ( a local baking supplies shop) is affected. I buy butter from this shop, but the brand is Gold Tree and it states "Made in Australia". I just bought 3 blocks the other day, I better check first.

Throwing unused milk, butter etc and wasting the money is not an issue in exchange for our health. What disgusts me totally is the ethics of these people. There has been too many past incidents about tainted, contaminated food which are sold to the general public and I deeply suspect whether these people are humane. They can actually add inedible substances just to make profits???? And what is worse in this case now is that the contaminated milk has been brought up by some New Zealander authorities back in July. But it was covered up and no action was taken.

I have not been to China, and I have no intention to make a trip there without a need to. Ok, you can say that I am extreme, or biased. I agree that while there are many things in China worth visiting, or that the majority of the people are not unscrupulous, they do not get my trust with incidents like this occurring every now and then. Worse, with globalisation and China emerging rapidly in the manufacturing sectors, it is hard to have products which do not contain something from China. Even though I usually try to buy items from the more popular or renowned brands (and avoid China made products) , but how do I know the sources of their ingredients? Seems like we have to turn to organic products?

It is sad isn't it? What has human beings turn into? I cannot even imagine how one can bring himself to perform the action of doing something, knowing well that it can cause fatality. It's like serving poison to your friends, your neighbours, your country folks. I studied psychology back in Uni, but I can never comprehend how these people think.

On a lighter note, it's great that I have completed the Sweet and Simple Bakes this month, otherwise I would not be able to make it!