China's Melamine Scare Spreads to Exported Products

Today BBC News reports that Chinese company Guanshengyuan has stopped domestic sales and exports of its White Rabbit candy, made from milk, because the product has been found to contain the industrial chemical melamine. Thus far four babies have died and more than 53,000 children in China have become ill from drinking melamine-contaminated powdered milk.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has encouraged five countries to recall all milk powder imported from China. WHO's website features a number of resources on the melamine contamination and the chemical's effect on public health. Yesterday WHO released a report on toxicity, safety and risk assessment, possible human exposure, and guidance on food health concern with regard to melamine contamination.

Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a statement on the melamine situation and alerted consumers to seven Mr. Brown coffee and tea products that are being recalled due to possible melamine contamination.

For additional information on food safety in the U.S. and around the world, see our subject guide.