China has closed down nearly half its dairies in a swoop on milking facilities.
The government said Saturday that 533 of the country’s 1,176 dairies have been ordered to finish, although some could re-apply if they improve quality controls.
Most of the dairies closed were smaller companies that produce about 10 percent of the country’s milk supply.
The close-down has been prompted by the aftermath of the 2008 baby milk health scandal, in which at least three babies died and 300,000 were made ill by the industrial chemical melamine, which had been added to milk by suppliers.
Melamine is a plastic material which appears to add protein to milk.
Earlier this year, hydrolyzed protein made from leather scraps, turned up in some milk supplies.
Two people were executed for their role in the melamine scandal.
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