September 28, 2010

China toughens safety standards on dairy

Chinese dairy producers must meet a revised industry standard from the end of October, and any failure will result in the suspension of the company's operating license, China's State Council said on September 25, in a move to improve the safety of milk products across the nation.

China, the world's third-largest milk producer, wants the dairy industry to meet higher standards after melamine - used to make plastics and tan leather - was found in infant milk powder and other products two years ago. At least six babies died and about 300,000 fell ill countrywide after consuming tainted goods. The chemical was discovered in 22 companies' products.

The chemical was first found in infant milk powder made by Sanlu Group Co., and in products of China Mengniu Dairy Co., Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. and Bright Dairy & Food Co.

A registration system should be established to trace all melamine in the market from wholesalers to retailers, in order to prevent it from being used in dairy production, the General Office of the State Council said.

Dairy enterprises should check for melamine in all products before distributing them and other food companies should test for the chemical in all milk products they buy and keep records of the results, the council added.

Government agencies will strengthen supervision on dairy product safety, and local governments should send officials, as resident supervisors, to all dairy companies to enforce the safety regulations, it said.

The government will increase inspections of infant-formula production plants and will shut down those that are unable to meet the sanitary requirements, according to the statement.

The State Council also called for a crackdown on illegal dairy production.

On Sept. 21, Chinese police arrested six people and detained 41 in connection with the distribution of melamine-tainted milk powder, according to reports.