The melamine scandal may have scared people off from buying made-in-China dairy products for some years. A recent genetic engineering program making cows to product human’s milk developed by Chinese scientists may create an equally stunning effect, if not necessarily as terrifying.
The mainland scientists are now able to raise cows that can produce milk with a protein called human lactoferrin that is found only in breast-fed milk. Such protein is believed to be beneficial to infants as it kills bacteria and strengthens immune system.
The plan is not only funded but also highly supported by the government. Private milk producers in China also welcome the research as human lactoferrin would also reduce the change of bacterial infection among the cows.
However, consumers are sceptical about the finding, especially problems concerning the quality of milk products in China have been coming up over and over again, first with the low-protein content 5 years ago and, recently with the high-melamine contamination scandal. Mothers are worried that the potential harmful effects of such milk products might not be detected until it is too late.