PUTRAJAYA, 24 Sept 2008: The Health Ministry has started testing 53 Chinese milk-based products starting yesterday to determine if they contain the chemical melamine that can endanger health.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said results of the tests will be known tomorrow and will be made public.
“Besides the tests, the ministry, with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysian Customs, at all entry points in the country, has identified the products that meet the Level Six Inspection (Rejection) rating and therefore will not be allowed into the country,” he told reporters here today.
Liow said the Education Ministry will tell school canteens not to sell food imported from China.
The step was being taken after the discovery of melamine, a substance especially detrimental to children’s health, in milk products from a factory in China.
Liow said the cabinet viewed the matter seriously and had directed all relevant departments and ministries to cooperate in the matter.
“The cabinet wants the people’s health to be given priority,” he said. — Bernama
