Swindled 25. The Formula (Nestlé Boycott of 1977)
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Jan 20, 2019 An international boycott is ignited after a multinational corporation is implicated in a tragedy affecting infants worldwide. Health crises emerge from tainted baby formula and pet food, spotlighting the failings of regulatory bodies. The podcast unveils the dark history of unethical infant formula marketing, particularly in developing nations, causing malnutrition and health disasters. It critiques the profit-driven motives of companies like Nestlé, exploring ongoing global repercussions and personal stories that underscore the urgent need for accountability.
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Chinese Milk Scandal Begins
- In China, doctors were puzzled by a rise in infant illnesses, marked by kidney problems and bloody urine.
- All affected children had consumed Sanlu milk formula.
Melamine Contamination
- The milk was contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical used to artificially inflate protein levels.
- This disguised the fact that the milk had been watered down to increase profits.
Government Cover-Up
- The Chinese government initially suppressed the information to protect its image during the Olympics.
- Action was only taken after Fonterra, a New Zealand partner of Sanlu, alerted authorities.