China Milk Exec Faults Lack of Rules, Awaits Verdict

BEIJING, China — The head of major Chinese dairy firm Sanlu Group has argued that the country's lack of regulations regarding a toxic chemical contributed to a tainted milk scandal that sickened nearly 300,000 infants, state-run media reported.

Tian Wenhua, former board chairwoman and general manager of Sanlu, pleaded guilty Wednesday to her role in the scandal. She and three other executives are on trial for producing and selling fake or substandard products, according to Xinhua news agency.

In a statement distributed by her attorney on Thursday, Tian said China should consider the standards of the European Union regarding the chemical melamine. She also said other independent companies under the Sanlu umbrella produced some of the "tainted milk powder" and their leaders should also shoulder some responsibility.

Tian said she did not intentionally sell tainted product and had taken several steps aimed at making up for the harm caused, Xinhua reported.

In her closing statement, Tian tearfully apologized.

"If it meant that I could get back the health of all the sick children, I would be willing to accept any legal punishment," she said.

The three other executives on trial are former deputy general managers Wang Yuliang and Hang Zhiqi, and Wu Jusheng, a former executive heading Sanlu's milk division.

Wang has appeared in court in a wheelchair after he broke his leg in a suicide attempt leaping from a building. A defense attorney asked him about the attempt, and Wang broke down into tears, according to Xinhua.

"I apologize to Sanlu's faithful consumers," he said. "When I think of the children who were harmed ... I feel extreme inadequacy towards these sick children and their parents."

The trial ended after a 14-hour session. It was not clear when a verdict was expected.

Source: CNN