AVA stops import & sale of milk and dairy products from China

Channel NewsAsia 19 Sep 08;

SINGAPORE - The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has suspended the import and sale of all milk and dairy products from China with immediate effect, after tests found melamine contamination in two brands of China-made milk products.

Two days ago, AVA issued an advisory about the recall of Yili brand "Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yogurt Flavoured Ice Confection" based on Hong Kong's findings of melamine contamination in such products.

Subsequently, AVA took samples of the product for testing and found two samples to be contaminated with melamine. All stocks of the affected product have been removed from market shelves since 17 September and will be destroyed, said an AVA statement on Friday.

"Our tests also found that the "Dutch Lady" brand of strawberry flavoured milk manufactured in China to be contaminated with melamine. These products have also been recalled and will be destroyed. Other "Dutch Lady" brand milk products which are not manufactured in China are unaffected," said the statement.

"As a precautionary measure, AVA is also suspending the import and sale of all milk and milk products from China with immediate effect," added the statement.

Consumers who have bought Yili brand "Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yogurt Flavoured Ice Confection" and "Dutch Lady" brand of strawberry flavoured milk (manufactured in China) are advised not to consume them.

AVA said retailers and importers have also been instructed to recall these products and these products will be withheld from sale until they have cleared the necessary tests.

AVA has also instructed local food manufacturers to stop the use of milk and milk products from China as ingredients until the completion of its investigations. Consignments which have just arrived or are on the way will also be withheld from sale.

As regards infant formula, AVA reassures the public that there is no such import from China. Infant formulas sold in Singapore are safe for consumption, it said.

- CNA/ir