China diary giant Sanlu Group apologized to the public on Monday for its contaminated milk powder which had sickened 1,253 babies with kidney stones, two fatally.

Zhang Zhenling, Sanlu's vice president, read a letter of apology at a news briefing on Monday afternoon here in Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei Province, where the corporation is based.

"The serious safety accident of the Sanlu formula milk powder for infants has caused severe harm to many sickened babies and their families. We feel really sad about this," he said while reading the letter to reporters.

"Sanlu Group expresses its most sincere apology to you."

According to the Ministry of Health, the powder was found to contain melamine, a chemical raw material believed to cause the condition.

It said most of the cases occurred in Hebei, Jiangsu and Gansu provinces. The two deaths were both in the northwest Gansu Province.

"We solemnly declare we will recall all the infant milk powder produced prior to August 6," Zhang said. "And for those produced after that date, we will also make a recall if consumers have doubts and worries."

(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2008)