Govt calls for sobriety over melamine scare

MANILA, Philippines - The government trade chief on Wednesday called for sobriety amid the issue of tainted milk from China, saying that government agencies are resolved to come up with a clearer, more definite list of contaminated products. The call was aired by Trade secretary Peter Favila who added that government agencies are currently testing the products. "Ang mahirap diyan mag-panic lahat," he said, adding that the melamine scare is already affecting local producers and manufacturers even if they are not using any raw materials from China. He said the Bureau of Food and Drugs is working double time to complete the tests and determine which among the products should be avoided and which are safe. He said the Department of Health and BFAD are looking into the possibility of accrediting private laboratories to help speed up the tests on the products. At the moment, Favila said that supermarkets have pulled out Chinese-made and manufactured items. However, he added that the public must report to concerned authorities if there are still any shops that continue to sell Chinese-made products at present. - GMANews.TV