The Centre for Health Protection received no new reports of renal problems related to the consumption of melamine-tainted milk products today.

In the 24 hours to 1pm the centre's hotline (2125 1133) received 174 enquiries, bringing to 8,826 the number of calls received since it was set up on September 21.

About 2,900 callers said they or their children had consumed milk products contaminated by melamine, and 830 of them, 448 males and 382 females, claimed to have symptoms of renal problems including dysuria and changes in the frequency of urination.

Meanwhile, the Hospital Authority's 18 designated clinics had provided initial assessment to 1,481 patients up to 5pm. Those requiring further assessment and treatment have been referred to special assessment centres which attended to 570 patients today.

So far 24,140 attendances and 4,326 assessments have been reported at the designated clinics and special assessment centres.