Integrity initiative: Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow tells lawmakers surveillance on milk-related products will be enhanced to ensure safety.

Legislation will be proposed controlling the use of melamine in food products, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says, adding Mainland dairy imports will have to be issued hygiene certificates confirming they do not contain the chemical.

He told legislators today the Centre for Food Safety is studying international practices regulating use of the chemical. He noted the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine has stationed more than 5,000 officers at various dairy product suppliers and manufacturers since September 11 to ensure new products are melamine-free.

"In Hong Kong food sample testing and monitoring will continue to be expanded. Milk powder, fresh milk, dairy-related products like ice-cream, yoghurt, cakes, chocolates and cookies are among the test items," Dr Chow said.

Samples safe

The latest 46 samples taken have tested negative for melamine. Thirty-six are of products by Mainland brand Mengniu while the remainder are of other Mainland brands or manufacturers.

So far the centre has taken 139 food samples and nine contained melamine. Results for 33 samples are pending.

Dr Chow said Hong Kong will liaise with Mainland authorities and announce test results daily.

Baby formula

He urged suppliers to maintain a stable supply and price for baby milk powder. The Consumer Council will monitor the level of retail prices.

Although baby formula brands sold in Hong Kong do not contain raw ingredients from the Mainland, the centre has taken 30 samples of various brands for testing as a precautionary measure. Results will be announced Sunday.

Although there have been no reports of Hong Kong infants with health problems due to baby milk powder, a designated clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital will care for patients known to have consumed melamine-tainted milk products. Those with signs of renal disease will be admitted for immediate treatment.