Philippine health officials say two Chinese-made milk products have tested positive for an industrial chemical that has sickened thousands of children and triggered China's latest product safety scandal.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque says the two products were among 30 that have been removed from Philippine stores and tested for melamine. Duque says the products were smuggled into the country after Manila imposed a ban on Chinese milk products two weeks ago.
He says the 28 products have been cleared for sale, while 200 other products will undergo testing. The minister says a Manila supermarket will be shut down for violating the ban.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities say they have seized almost two tons of banned Chinese milk powder in Khabarovsk. Moscow banned Chinese food products containing milk derivatives Tuesday.
The tainted milk scandal broke last month, after Chinese-based Sanlu Group acknowledged its baby formula products were laced with melamine. The tainted products have been blamed for the deaths of four infants and for sickening at least 53,000 others.
Melamine is commonly used in plastics, fertilizers and flame retardants. Authorities believe it was added to milk to make it appear richer in protein.
The scandal has led to the arrests of 27 people in China, and the recall or prohibition of Chinese-made milk products by more than 50 nations.
Chinese safety officials said Thursday the latest inspection of newly produced liquid milk has found no traces of contamination.
President Hu Jintao has urged dairy companies to strengthen management and food safety checks.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
