HEALTH MINISTRY TESTS 53 CHINESE MILK-BASED PRODUCTS

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has started testing 53 Chinese milk-based products since Wednesday to determine if they contain the chemical melamine that can endanger health.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said results of the tests will be known
Thursday 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 Wednesday.


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