Sanlu and other 21 Chinese dairy firms that were implicated in a tainted milk scandal apologized to the public via text messages on Thursday. "We are deeply sorry for the harm we have brought to children and to the society," said the message. "We offer our sincere apology and plead for forgiveness." The firms will compensate sickened children and cover all expenses for any aftereffects of the melamine-contaminated milk, according to the message. The 22 firms have established a compensation fund for victims.