According to Chinese Researchers, more than one in 10 children are having kidney problems after consuming tainted milk.

Two years back, at least six children died and nearly 300,000 children fell sick after taking infant formula contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine.

Researchers from Peking University's Institute of Reproductive and Child Health observed that whilst most children in a rural Chinese area had recovered after drinking tainted milk, 12% suffered from kidney problems which were diagnosed six months later.

The report came out in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on Monday.

The researchers conducted ultrasound screenings of 7,933 children under 3 years of age living in rural areas. The initial screening found that 48 children suffered from kidney stones or swollen kidneys.

The scandal came to surface in September 2008 when reports of babies suffering from kidney stones appeared in the Chinese media, prompting the Government to start an investigation.

The parents of the affected children condemned the Government for certifying the contaminated milk powder as safe. The Government offered cash payment and free health check-ups to pacify public anger.

Melamine can cause kidney stones and kidney failure. It is added to water-down milk to deceive inspectors testing for protein content and increase profits.

In spite of strict regulations and increased inspections on producers, melamine-tainted milk products can still be seen in several places in China.