September 30, 2008

All 10 brands of dairy products imported from China into Thailand were found to be melamine-free, according to Manit Arunakul, deputy secretary-general of the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday (September 29, 2008).

The FDA conducted tests on samples of the 10 dairy products and found that all met safety standards.

Last Wednesday (September 24, 2008), the Thai FDA imposed a temporary ban on the sales and imports of 10 Chinese dairy products after milk powder products in China were found contaminated with melamine, which led to four infant deaths and illnesses in 53,000 others.

FDA will soon issue certifications to sellers whose imported products have passed the tests, so as to get the products back onto the shelves as soon as possible while assuring the public of their safety.

Manit noted that the issue of Chinese food products' safety was closely followed in foreign countries. He said Thailand will continue to monitor developments about the issue and will review the import and sales ban accordingly.