Recalled Chinese Lollies Still On Sale

The Age

Friday September 26, 2008

By Daniella Miletic, Consumer Affairs Reporter

IMPORTED lollies potentially contaminated with the chemical responsible for the death of four infants in China were still available on Melbourne shelves yesterday, despite a withdrawal announced a day earlier.

Food regulators have called on wholesalers and retailers across Australia to remove White Rabbit Creamy Candies after New Zealand testing found "sufficiently high levels" of melamine to cause serious health problems.

National regulators asked for a voluntary withdrawal of the product on Wednesday as a precaution before Australian testing was completed.

The Age found three Asian grocery stores selling the product yesterday afternoon, including one shop in Chinatown and two shops in Victoria Street, Abbotsford.

It is believed there is only a limited amount of the sweets available in Victoria. Food safety officials believe the milk-based treats are unlikely to pose a health risk if consumed in small amounts.

As part of the withdrawal, council environmental officers will visit shops and ask owners to remove the product from shelves. A Department of Human Services spokesman said it was hoped all White Rabbit lollies would be off shelves by the end of the week.

"Council environmental health officers are systematically going to outlets in their areas to ensure that the product is removed," he said. "That work is still under way, so I can't give a number of premises that have been visited."

Food Standards Australia New Zealand expects the results of tests from these products in Australia to be returned today.

WORLD

Officials ordered cover-up PAGE 13

© 2008 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home