866 food items, suspected of containing melamine, confiscated

A total of 866 food products in the local market suspected of containing melamine, worth RM318,742.10, have been confiscated, Health Ministry food quality and safety department director, Noraini Datuk Mohd Othman said today.

The confiscated included cereal worth RM2,284.09, solids worth RM6,469.30, confectionery (RM236,099.33), chocolate products (RM34,397.11) and milk (RM39,492.27).

She said, up till today they have updated 994 food products from 35 companies not affected by melamine.In a press statement, she said food samples had been taken and analysed by the Chemistry Department to ensure they were up to standard before being sold in the market.

She said the results of tests on 10 more product samples had been obtained, all proven to adhere to the standards, raising the number of product samples to 26.

She advised consumers not to worry about the melamine issue as the ministry had taken appropriate action to handle the situation.She said consumers were also advised to read the labels before buying food products in the market.

Noraini said if there were still uncertainties, consumers could contact the Food Safety and Quality Division at 03-88833655, 88833503, 88833652 and 88833500.

The line would be open from 8 am to 9 pm, including on public holidays and Hari Raya. Consumers could also obtain information at http:fsq.moh.gov.my.

BERNAMA