Skip to content

Health

Nitrite poisoning in milk causes death of three children in China

by Mario Balzan 10 Apr 2011
Nitrite poisoning in milk causes death of three children in China

Three children have died and another thirty-five have suffered food poisoning after drinking bulk milk from two local dairies in Gansu province in northwest China. An initial investigation suggests that the victims were poisoned by nitrite-tainted milk, Xinhua News Agency reported. Nitrite is used for curing meat.

According to the news agency most of the victims were mostly children under 14 and they are now being treated in two hospitals in Pingliang city. One of the patients is reportedly in a critical condition while the other cases remain stable.

For centuries, meat has been preserved with salt, which prevents growth of some types of bacteria that are responsible for meat spoilage. As use of salt as a meat preservative spread, a preference developed for salts which produced a pink colour and special flavour in meat. Today, nitrite salts are normally used for food curing. In a series of chemical reactions, the nitrite is converted to nitric oxide, which combines with myoglobin, the red pigment responsible for the natural red colour of uncured meat. The reaction produces a deep red colour that changes to bright pink when heated during the smoking process.

Within the European Union, the directive 2006/52/EC sets out the regulations for use of nitrite in meat products. An online document produced by the University of Michigan, reports that the fatal dose of sodium nitrite is in the range of 22 to 23 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. However, lower doses of this substance have caused acute methemoglobinemia, particularly in infants. Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which the haemoglobin loses its ability to carry oxygen around the body.

The authorities in China have only last week ordered 426 diary firms to halt production as a part of a campaign to clean up the industry. The two diaries responsible for the nitrite food poisoning were sealed off after the accident and their managers were being probed.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping