ID :
21561
Sat, 09/27/2008 - 17:30
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/21561
The shortlink copeid
S. Korea finds harmful chemical in Chinese creamer product
SEOUL, Sept. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Friday they have found traces of a harmful chemical in a Chinese creamer product used in instant coffee mixes.
The discovery of melamine, which can cause kidney problems and even death in
severe cases, follows a confirmation by the Korea Food and Drug Administration
(KFDA) on Thursday that two types of snacks sold domestically contained traces of
the industrial chemical. Both products were imported from China.
Seoul started scrutinizing imported dairy products after several Chinese
manufacturers were found to have used melamine in baby formulas and powdered
milk. Reports say thousands of Chinese infants have been hospitalized, and four
have died.
The watchdog said that while investigations have not yet been completed, it has
ordered a ban on the circulation of 304 types of dairy-based foods and
ingredients from China that have not been checked yet as a precautionary measure.
"The order was issued to all regional governments and advised consumers not to
buy products for the time being," a KFDA official said. The names of products
that have yet to be checked are to be posted on administration's homepage
(www.kfda.go.kr).
He added that analysis of the vegetable creamer powder used in instant coffee
mixes showed 1.5 parts per million of melamine.
Melamine is a nitrogen-based chemical that can pose health risks if taken in
large quantities. It is used widely in kitchen utensils like ladles. If added to
food, the nitrogen can fraudulently increase apparent protein content levels,
translating into higher prices.
The authority said Thursday it found traces of melamine in the "Misarang Custard"
cake sold by South Korean Haitai Confectionery and Food Co. It has recalled the
Haitai product along with a snack called "Milk Rusk," which is imported from Hong
Kong but made in China.
The administration said earlier in the day that 4,308 tons of Chinese dairy-based
cream products were imported this year, raising the possibility that other
melamine-contaminated food may be discovered in the future.
These include products used with coffee and tea, whip cream and casein, a protein
that accounts for 80 percent of milk and cheese proteins.
Related to the local melamine scare, the agriculture ministry said it has
completed checking 56 types of fish feed made by 32 companies and found no traces
of the chemical.
News that two companies had sold tainted feed to freshwater fish farms caused a
drop in demand that has hurt restaurants and fish farm owners.
It said that probes were underway to check more than 700 livestock feed companies
in the coming weeks to determine whether their products are safe for animals.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
The discovery of melamine, which can cause kidney problems and even death in
severe cases, follows a confirmation by the Korea Food and Drug Administration
(KFDA) on Thursday that two types of snacks sold domestically contained traces of
the industrial chemical. Both products were imported from China.
Seoul started scrutinizing imported dairy products after several Chinese
manufacturers were found to have used melamine in baby formulas and powdered
milk. Reports say thousands of Chinese infants have been hospitalized, and four
have died.
The watchdog said that while investigations have not yet been completed, it has
ordered a ban on the circulation of 304 types of dairy-based foods and
ingredients from China that have not been checked yet as a precautionary measure.
"The order was issued to all regional governments and advised consumers not to
buy products for the time being," a KFDA official said. The names of products
that have yet to be checked are to be posted on administration's homepage
(www.kfda.go.kr).
He added that analysis of the vegetable creamer powder used in instant coffee
mixes showed 1.5 parts per million of melamine.
Melamine is a nitrogen-based chemical that can pose health risks if taken in
large quantities. It is used widely in kitchen utensils like ladles. If added to
food, the nitrogen can fraudulently increase apparent protein content levels,
translating into higher prices.
The authority said Thursday it found traces of melamine in the "Misarang Custard"
cake sold by South Korean Haitai Confectionery and Food Co. It has recalled the
Haitai product along with a snack called "Milk Rusk," which is imported from Hong
Kong but made in China.
The administration said earlier in the day that 4,308 tons of Chinese dairy-based
cream products were imported this year, raising the possibility that other
melamine-contaminated food may be discovered in the future.
These include products used with coffee and tea, whip cream and casein, a protein
that accounts for 80 percent of milk and cheese proteins.
Related to the local melamine scare, the agriculture ministry said it has
completed checking 56 types of fish feed made by 32 companies and found no traces
of the chemical.
News that two companies had sold tainted feed to freshwater fish farms caused a
drop in demand that has hurt restaurants and fish farm owners.
It said that probes were underway to check more than 700 livestock feed companies
in the coming weeks to determine whether their products are safe for animals.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
