1955

Thousands of newborns are poisoned by powdered milk tainted with arsenic.1950s

Hundreds die after eating fish from Minamata Bay, poisoned by mercury dumped by Chisso Corp. Government officials side with the company when it denies responsibility.1980s

Some 1,800 people contract HIV from untreated blood products, which the Health Ministry didn't ban until December, 1985.1996

About 7,000 people are poisoned and 12 die from food tainted with e.coli bacteria. Health officials blame growers of radish sprouts but fail to conduct a thorough check of suspect slaughterhouses.2000

Some 14,500 people are sickened by bacteria-contaminated Snow Brand Milk. Health officials declare milk fit to drink before investigating.