October 10, 2008

The latest tests on Chinese liquid dairy products found no traces of melamine, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) on Thursday (October 9, 2008).

It was the eighth investigation on the industrial chemical following the contaminated baby formula scandal that killed four infants and sickened more than 53,000 others, the agency said.

The tests covered 855 batches of liquid milk, including yogurt, from 77 brands in 22 major and four mid-sized cities, the agency said, adding that currently 3,681 batches of liquid dairy products from 126 brands produced after September 14 are free of melamine.

China limited melamine content in dairy products on Wednesday (October 8, 2008). The limits were a maximum of 1mg of melamine per kg of infant formula and a maximum 2.5mg per kg for liquid milk, milk powder and food products containing at least 15 percent of milk.

The agency had sent more than 5,000 inspectors to conduct round-the-clock scrutiny at dairy factories to ensure quality and restore consumer confidence. The Ministry of Finance also said it allocated RMB 300 million (US$43.9 million) to dairy farmers in five major dairy producing provinces.

Dairy farmers suffered losses as they had to get rid of raw milk due to a slump in dairy consumption following the scandal.