No need for import ban on Chinese milk products

The World Health Organisation has no reports of infants outside China and Hong Kong getting sick from toxic milk formula and sees no need for an import ban on Chinese milk products, a WHO expert said on Tuesday.

China promised on Tuesday to stop tainted milk reaching processors and export markets, as the list of countries that have banned or recalled Chinese milk imports grew.

The WHO said authorities in importing countries should closely monitor Chinese milk products for any contamination.

“We have no reports of infants with kidney failure or stones in other countries,” said Danilo Lo-Fo-Wong, a senior scientist in WHO’s food safety division.

“The WHO is concerned with public health in all member states but does not recommend to just ban all Chinese milk products, at least not at this stage,” he said.

More than 13,000 children across China have been admitted to hospital due to milk powder laced with the industrial chemical melamine, including 104 in serious condition with kidney stones and agonising complications. Four have died.

It was unclear whether the crisis in China had peaked or if there will be another spike as more rural parents come forward to have their children tested, Lo-Fo-Wong said.

POTENTIAL EXPOSURE

China is working with the WHO to determine how many children may have been exposed to the toxic milk and to ensure all tainted products are removed from the market, he said.

Two Chinese companies exported their milk products to five countries - Bangladesh, Burundi, Myanmar, Gabon and Yemen - and China has ordered a recall, although contamination in those exports remain unconfirmed, the WHO said on its website.

Other countries, however, have also reported finding melamine in dairy products made in China, the WHO added.

“(Countries) should be aware of the possible distribution of the contaminated products either through formal or informal channels, because of the large quantities involved and the seriousness of the public health consequences,” the WHO said.

Babies with unexplained irritability, blood in the urine, little or no urine, signs of kidney infection or High Blood Pressure should be checked, the WHO said.

Markets that have banned or recalled Chinese milk products include Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Tanzania said on Tuesday it had seized 34 tonnes of milk powder from China and suspended Chinese dairy import products.

Melamine, a nitrogen-rich substance, can be added illegally to sub-standard or watered-down milk, fooling quality checks measuring protein. There are no approved uses for melamine in food, according to the WHO.

By Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA (Reuters)