The Morinaga Arsenic Milk Poisoning Incident

Its Unsolved Problems for 50 Years

Abstract

It has passed for 50 years since the outbreak of the Morinaga dry milk poisoning caused by food additives containing arsenic compounds derived from the industrial waste. The whole picture of the case has not yet fully revealed, while the permanent salvation promised for the victims seems not to work out satisfactory. It is urgently needed to face the reality of victims at present and to study the history of the case. Some preliminary research on 1955-1973 suggests the importance of epidemiology and independent investigation in case of the big scale food poisoning, and the necessity to discuss the role of experts and academy after the major incident like this case. It is strongly needed to collect and reserve the records about the case for further trans-disciplinary research.