Department of Hygiene & Veterinary Affairs carried out several inspections at food establishments, wholesalers, distributors and supermarkets on the island and the investigation revealed that the Chinese Milk and other related diary products are not being sold or distributed on the island.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently alerted countries around the world to the possible spread of melamine-contaminated diary products from China, after the first event came to the attention of the aforementioned on September 11.
The contaminated baby formula and milk that has been causing illness and death recently in the Peopleâ??s Republic of China has left a number of babies dead. Over 54,000 children have sought medical treatment in China after drinking melamine-contaminated infant formula. Almost 12,900 are currently hospitalized.
The milk and formula in questions were contaminated with a chemical called melamine, an additive used in the making of plastics.
WHO recommends that all infants should be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first six months of life. No other liquid or food, not even water, is needed during this period. Thereafter, infants should receive adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues up to two years of age and beyond.
The WHO has advised that following reports of findings of imported melamine-contaminated products in several countries over the last two weeks, countries should closely monitor their markets.
Food safety is not the sole responsibility of public authorities, according to the WHO. The food industry is also responsible for ensuring a safe supply of food to the consumer.