Taiwan violence over baby milk

Updated 14.37 Fri Oct 03 2008

Keywords: scandal, Taiwan, China, milk

Taiwan's health minister has been hospitalised after a row over tainted baby milk became violent.

Yeh Ching-chuan was treated for high blood pressure after opposition lawmakers tried to force him to attend a briefing on milk products from mainland China.

Members of the Democratic Progressive Party were accused of shoving the minister, holding him by the head and grabbing his neck. They denied using violence

Members of the Democratic Progressive Party were accused of shoving the minister, holding him by the head and grabbing his neck. They denied using violence.

The Taiwanese government has come under pressure to remove all tainted milk products from stores and opposition politicians have accused the administration of flouting safety rules.

Melamine-contaminated milk has killed four babies and made more than 50,000 children in mainland China ill.

The Taiwanese authorities have launched a sweeping inspection of milk powders and products including instant coffee, milk tea and baked goods.

More than 160 products containing Chinese milk and vegetable-based proteins have been removed from stores.