Four infants died and hundreds fell ill in China when they consumed Nestle-brand milk that was found contaminated with traces of a hazardous industrial chemical melamine. A sample of Nestle Dairy Farm Pure Milk manufactured in China was tested positive for low content of melamine by Hong Kong's center for Food Safety. China's Health Ministry on September 21, 2008 revealed that around 13000 children were hospitalized, while about 40000 children had undergone outpatient treatment for illnesses related to the consumption of melamine-tainted milk products.

A center spokesman said that 'normal consumption will not pose major health effects. However, it is not advisable for small children to consume the milk product.' On the other hand, Nestle has denied the reports published in a leading Chinese newspaper about traces of the dangerous chemical found in baby milk manufactured by the company in China and sold in Hong Kong. The Swiss global food giant said in its statement that 'none of its products in China made from milk is adulterated with melamine.' 

Meanwhile, 12 patients ranging from one-year-old to people in their 50's have been undergoing tests in various hospitals in Hong Kong to check whether they have been affected by the consumptions of milk products imported from China.  Health officials say, 'Children who have been drinking more than two glasses of the affected milk and milk products may have consumed potentially harmful amounts of melamine'.