Health Ministry keeps close tab on imported milk powder

by Carol Aloysius

Screening imported milk powder products for Dicyanadiamide (DCD) and milk nutritional supplements including infant milk formulae for whey protein concentrates (Chlostridum Botulinum) will continue indefinitely, Health Ministry sources said yesterday.

Amidst conflicting views on the actual existence and levels of these two pollutants which are said to have a detrimental effect on the human body, the Health Ministry recalled four batches of imported milk from shops recently following tests conducted at the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) which found evidence of DCD in them.

The Health Ministry monitoring all milk powder products, imported and local to ensure they do not contain pollutants harmful to people.

"It will be a continuing process. We can't take chances with people's health," a spokesman for the Ministry said.

ITI Chairman, Prof. W. Abeywickrama said they had tested six imported brands for DCD of which four had tested positive. Director, Technical Services Ananda Pannila told the Sunday Observe that the ITI had all the facilities to test milk powder for DCD and that over 30 samples had been analysed.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has instructed officials to install the most up-to-date technical equipment at the Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Borella to screen imported food for harmful chemicals injurious to human life.

Health Services Secretary, Dr. Nihal Jayatilleka has been asked to prepare a Cabinet paper requesting allocations for the purpose the Sunday Observer learns.

MRI, Director Dr. Anil Samaranayake told the Sunday Observer that the MRI has two fully equipped laboratories to carry out various tests and the laboratories could be upgraded in the future.

The Food and Water Unit was responsible for testing food and water, including milk food.

With regard to Chlostridium Botulinum in milk supplements, he said. "The MRI has the facilities to test any kind of bacteria which includes Botlulinum which is also a kind of bacteria."

The Health Ministry has sent samples of imported food supplements and dairy products such as cheese, butter, chocolates, biscuits and toffees to be tested for Botulinium.

The Health Ministry has cautioned the public to inspect all labels on milk supplements for whey protein concentrates as it could be "more dangerous than even DCD".