People cautious of Chinese food products

Sunday, September 28, 2008

THE public are now taking extra precautionary measures when buying food items, following the China-made product scare which saw more countries recalling the products found with a toxic chemical.

Hjh Saleha Hj Suhaili, a 42-year-old mother, said that the White Rabbit cream candy has been a favourite since her childhood days.

"Knowing that it is one of the contaminated items makes me wonder what else is affected," she said.

The mother of three said that she was shocked to discover that even Dutch Lady flavoured milk, which has been in the market for a long time is also now on the list of contaminated items.

"Since news of the contaminated dairy products were found in stores throughout the country, I have become quite paranoid when shopping for food, especially when I bring my children as they tend to ask for chocolates and sweets," she added.

Rahimi Hj Mohd Sufri said he has been surfing the internet for more information regarding the matter and found that most of the items that are being suspected in other countries are also available here.

A father of two young children, Rahimi said that he is not going to take any chances as some of the items that have been identified or are being suspected is mostly what his children would buy.

He added that waiting for the products to be identified is not a risk that he is willing to take.

Hj Morni Hj Abd Salam said that there is no way of being 100 per cent sure of what food items are safe and what are not, despite the Ministry of Health ordering a recall of some products this week.

He said that even though the items are no longer available, there is still a possibility of unknown contamination as "we don't really know where the manufacturers get their ingredients."

More countries, including Brunei have banned China-made milk and dairy products, after at least four babies died, while tens of thousands of infants fell ill after consuming baby milk formula containing traces of melamine which can cause health problems such as kidney failure.

The tainted food scandal also prompted the Ministry of Health to recall chocolates, candies and biscuits found to contain unhealthy levels of melamine, which is used to make plastic and glue.(SRH1)