China eyes sending team to RP over 'tainted' yam candies - report

China is considering sending a special team of food safety experts to the Philippines to help investigate an incident wherein China-made ube (purple yam flavored) milk candy downed 25 students in Cebu last week. Online news site, China Daily on Monday night reported that the Chinese government is "deeply concerned" over reports that the students fell ill because of the Chinese-made candies. "A special team of food safety experts will be sent to the Philippines if necessary to assist in the investigation," it quoted a spokesman of the Chinese trade and commerce ministry as saying. However, the spokesman did not name the candies. Several schoolchildren in Madridejos town in Cebu fell ill after eating the milk candies imported from China. The incident prompted local authorities to order a pullout of imported candies from stores in the town. Initial investigation also showed the Chinese-made candies were without expiry dates, an indication that the sweets did not go through regular processing by Philippine authorities. The China Daily report also said the Chinese government directed its Cebu consulate to immediately look into the matter and submit a report. Earlier this year, Philippine authorities banned the sale of some imported Chinese food products, including the popular "White Rabbit" candy, amid reports that the goods contained formaldehyde. - GMANews.TV