Latest tests find China's liquid milk safe

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-18 06:36

BEIJING -- China's quality watchdog said Monday the latest sampling tests found newly-produced liquid milk in domestic market met the requirement in the new interim restrictions on melamine.

It is the 25th test of liquid milk since the scandal of the tainted baby formula that sickened more than 50,000 babies broke in September.

China's milk powder is also tested safe in the latest 18th sampling, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ).

Melamine, often used in the manufacturing of plastics, was added to substandard or diluted milk to make the protein levels appear higher.

The new tests covered 773 batches of liquid milk products from 87 brands in 33 major cities, 68 batches of baby milk powder from 14 brands and 106 batches of ordinary milk powder from 27 brands.

The country set temporary limits on melamine content in dairy products last month. The limits were a maximum of 1 mg of melamine per kg of infant formula and a maximum 2.5 mg per kg for liquid milk, milk powder and food products containing at least 15 percent of milk.