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Saturday, October 11, 2008
China to help foreign claimants in milk scandal
MANILA -- A top health official from China said Friday the Chinese government will assist foreign companies that want to claim compensation for losses from melamine-contaminated milk products.
"Problematic companies have the responsibility to recall their products even those in other countries and the (Chinese) government is urging them to do so," Chinese Vice Minister for Health Liu Qian said during the press conference of the 3rd Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) Plus Three Health Ministers Meeting in Pasay City.
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Liu said that claims should first be resolved on a business-to-business level, but that China is ready to provide assistance through diplomatic channels if claimants encounter problems.
His assurance came amid statements from countries like the Philippines that they will take up with China any possible local claims for compensation as a result of the entry of melamine-contaminated milk products.
No claims have been filed so far.
Also on Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) released a list of another 20 milk products that were found negative for melamine contamination, bringing the total number of melamine-free products to 69.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said they will give their "best effort" to come up with another batch of products on Monday and finish everything before the end of next week.
The health department and the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) have earlier tested positive for melamine content three products that were sold in the country, namely: Jollycow Slender High Calcium Low Fat Milk (more calcium & Vitamin D), 1 Liter; Greenfood Yili Fresh Milk; and Mengniu Drink.
The Philippine government and 12 other countries had earlier imposed a temporary total ban on all China-made milk and milk products because of the melamine scare.
However, Liu said Friday the Chinese government has already taken the appropriate measures in a bid to resolve the milk scare, which has spread to its neighboring countries. He added that all milk and milk products are already clear of melamine contamination.
"The (Chinese) government is urging all exporters to follow our market rule (banning all tainted milk and milk products)... All the products in the market are now safe," Liu said.
But according to Duque, the ban on China-made milk and milk products will remain until the questioned products are cleared by the BFAD.
A statement at the end of the meeting of health ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and their partners from China, Japan and South Korea, said the officials agreed that melamine should never be added deliberately to any food product.
Liu said melamine was deliberately added to fresh milk used to make infant formula, and China immediately released the information to the public and international organizations when it was discovered.
"We have put the culprits into justice and hold the relevant companies, regulatory authorities and the local government officials accountable," he said.
The Asian ministers also welcomed a move to mount a regional initiative to bring together health, trade and other policy-makers in the region to address the negative impact of trade liberalization on health. (FP/MSN/With AP/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (October 11, 2008 issue)
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