Russia’s Health Ministry has imposed a ban on all Chinese products containing traces of milk, until tests can prove that they do not contain the chemical melamine.
Authorities said they seized more than 100 kilos of powdered milk in a warehouse in Siberia’s city of Tomsk, and in Russia’s Far East, in the Khabarovsk region, over two tonnes of products that might contain the chemical were intercepted before reaching the shelves.
Tests will be done to ascertain whether the food items are safe.
There has been a product recall all over the world on baby formula, powdered milk, as well as popular sweets. In China four babies have died and over 53,000 children have fallen ill after consuming milk products contaminated with melamine.
According to Russian Chief Medical Officer Gennadiy Onishchenko, No products containing melamine have been found in either the Khabarovsk or Tomsk regions.
“They have found Chinese products containing milk, which in principle are now banned all over Russia,” said Onishchenko.
“We do not yet have a clear understanding of what happened in China. They are conducting tests, but officially have yet to inform us on what transpired”.
The official said the decision on whether to continue the ban or lift it will be taken depending on future developments.
October 4, 2008, 21:38
Source: Russia Today