Latest test results of dairy product samples (with tables)
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (September 24) released the latest batch of results of melamine tests on dairy products.
Results available today showed that of the 67 samples tested, including fresh milk, milk beverages and soya milk produced locally, milk powder, creamy candies, evaporated milk, condensed milk and raw milk, 66 were satisfactory.
The unsatisfactory sample was White Rabbit Creamy Candies (net weight: 454g, expiry date: November 20, 2009) and the level of melamine detected was 16ppm.
Under the Harmful Substances in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2008 which took effect yesterday (September 23), the legal limit for melamine in the creamy candies is 2.5ppm.
"The creamy candies whose test result was announced today were the same brand of creamy candies found to contain melamine yesterday. We have already informed the trade upon announcing the test results yesterday and asked them to stop selling the products concerned. The importer has recalled the affected products.
"No prosecution under the amendment regulation will be taken as the sample was collected before its commencement. However, we have sent warning letters to the retailer and importer concerned," a CFS spokesman said.
According to the standards of the US Food and Drug Administration, the safety reference value (i.e. tolerable daily intake - TDI) for melamine is 0.63mg per kg of body weight per day. For children under the age of 36 months, as they are more sensitive to melamine, the TDI for melamine is 0.32mg per kg of body weight per day.
"Based on the level detected, the public is advised to stop consuming the creamy candies," the spokesman said.
On the creamy candy sample which was detected with a melamine level of 16ppm, the spokesman said a three-year-old child weighing 10kg would have to eat about half a pack (about 40 pieces) of the product a day to reach the TDI.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to collect dairy and other concerned product samples for testing," the spokesman said.
Information on the test results can be found on CFS's website www.cfs.gov.hk. For enquiries, members of the public can also call CFS's enquiry number 2381 6096 which operates from 9am to 9pm daily.
Ends/Wednesday, September 24, 2008