Innocent victims of greed

摘要

Until last week, the Chinese dairy market was looking like a good place to do business. Expanding demand, large population and an upward trajectory of people drinking milk products were putting smiles on the faces of multinational dairy processors from Arla to Fonterra. Now, though, in addition to watching the financial markets crumble, these same processors have had to deal with the unwelcome news that several babies have died and many others have fallen ill through unscrupulous practices on the part of Chinese farmers. Once again, the best-laid plans of the international dairy industry have become hostage to unkind fate. And pure greed.