Sterilised milk and other dairy products containing the substance melamine are being recalled by Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA).
Melamine, a substance used to increase protein in milk formula, was found to cause kidney stones in many Chinese babies who consume it. In China, more than 6,000 babies fell sick and four have died from drinking milk containing melamine.
The AVA found that Dutch Lady strawberry milk and Yili Choice Dairy Fruit Bar in Singapore contained the substance.
It ordered, on Friday, the cessation of the sale of all made-in-China dairy products, and is sending samples of all related products for laboratory tests.
However, a local paper found on Saturday some heartland shops still displaying Chinese milk products. According to the report, one supermarket supervisor initially said that the display items were not for sale.
But she walked off after the reporter informed her that she had just bought two packets of affected milk. The supermarket chain’s owner was uncontactable. The AVA said it will investigate the matter.
Another supermarket chain has recevied over 100 requests for refunds after Friday’s announcement.
Violators who sell unwholesome food may be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed for up to three months.