MELAMINE-TAINTED FOOD PRODUCTS FROM CHINA

MELAMINE-TAINTED FOOD PRODUCTS FROM CHINA:

(Tightening of food screening process): 15.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for National Development in view of the recent melamine contamination of Yili dairy products from China, (a) why are products containing melamine approved for sale in Singapore; (b) what were the tests done by the Ministry and what results did they show before the product was imported and put for sale; (c) how can the Ministry assure consumers that other food products from China and elsewhere are safe for consumption; (d) whether a review to strengthen the current inspection process will be carried out; and (e) whether there are any unscrupulous practices by Singapore importers involved in the import of Yili products.

16.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development in the light of a number of products imported from China that are found to be contaminated with melamine, (a) how does the Ministry intend to strengthen food safety; and (b) whether there is a need to further tighten food screening process for products beyond China as well.

17.

Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for National Development in the light of the tainted dairy products from China, whether the Agri-Veterinary Authority performs screening on all food items imported into Singapore to protect consumers.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, with your permission, may I take Question Nos. 15 to 17 together?

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Sir, Dr Lim asked why AVA did not test milk and milk products for melamine until the incident surfaced. Melamine is an industrial chemical not allowed for use in food production. Prior to this incident, food authorities worldwide did not routinely test for melamine in food. It was unthinkable that anyone would unscrupulously add melamine to purposely give a false impression of the protein content in the food.

Ms Ellen Lee asked for assurance to test all food items. It is not possible for AVA to test all consignments of food products for all kinds of chemicals and contaminants. We will need many more laboratories and personnel, and the cost of our food will go sky-high. To ensure food safety, we take a managed risk approach, not a zero-risk approach. What AVA does is to profile the risk of different kinds of food, based on scientific analysis, vigilant surveillance of the prevailing foodborne disease situation, and the track record of suppliers.

In the case of milk, for example, the high-risk threats that we test for include chemicals such as heavy metals, residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs, and pathogens such as E coli and Salmonella. This is an international best practice, adopted by well-established food safety authorities.

When the news on melamine contamination was first officially reported in China on 12th September this year, AVA took prompt and appropriate action.

Verification checks on milk imports from China were immediately carried out. Tests were conducted to check for melamine contamination.

When it became clear to AVA that melamine had been intentionally added to adulterate these products, AVA suspended the import and sale of all milk and dairy products from China on 19th September. This was a necessary precautionary measure to protect all consumers.

Subsequently, samples of all milk and dairy products from China were collected and checked for melamine contamination. We were among the first countries to report unacceptable levels of melamine in various different dairy products and brands.

AVA also worked with MOH to educate the public on the health issues, and with NEA to take enforcement action at the retail end, including at coffee shops, retail outlets and school canteens. AVA is prosecuting some outlets for flouting the directive to recall implicated products.

To determine the extent of the problem here, AVA has been running tests on all China-made milk and dairy products, and has extended tests to other China-made products that are traded based on protein content. Examples of such products are cereal, creamy soup and soya-based products.

AVA has also directed our importers to check with their suppliers on the country of origin of the milk ingredients used in the manufacture of their products. Samples of milk and milk products made in other countries have also been taken for testing.

Dr Lim also asked whether there were any unscrupulous practices by Singapore importers involved in the import of these contaminated products. I am glad to report that so far, AVA has not come across any evidence which may suggest so. However, AVA will remain vigilant in monitoring the market, and will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any unscrupulous importers.

I would like to assure Members that AVA has put in place a comprehensive and integrated food safety system to ensure that food imported into Singapore, regardless of its source, is safe for consumption.

Every two years, we would invite an international panel of food safety experts to validate the system and give us suggestions for further improvement. The recent visit by the panel in August 2008 found our system to be robust and in line with international standards.

But we are not resting on our laurels. There will always be unscrupulous people along the entire chain of food production and distribution who will try to cheat the system to make more profits.

My Minister has, therefore, asked AVA to form a unit that will scan the horizon for timely information, dialogue constantly with key industry players, and brainstorm possible ways that people may try to beat the system. In short, Sir, AVA will look at how to strengthen our early warning signs and surveillance capabilities as well as improve its risk analysis to strengthen our food safety management system.

3.00 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos. 20, 22-25, 27-31, 35-36 and 39 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix*. Question Nos. 18-19, 21, 26, 32-34, 37-38 and 40-41 have been postponed to the next available sitting of Parliament.]

*Cols. 647-668.

Column No : 532

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