Abu Dhabi keeps strict vigil on tainted Chinese food items

Abu Dhabi: Authorities are keeping a strict vigil after finding more melamine-contaminated Chinese food products in international markets, although no such products were found in Abu Dhabi following a blanket ban across the country, said a senior official.

"We haven't found any Chinese-made dairy and related products in Abu Dhabi during the past ten days," said Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, Manager of Communication and Information at Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

General Secretariat of Municipalities (GSM) decided to ban Chinese dairy and related products, ordering such products be withdrawn until it is ensured that they are free from melamine.

"Our inspectors have been keeping a constant vigil in the market since the 'melamine menace' was reported in China last month," Al Reyaysa said. "We stepped up our vigil following the blanket ban imposed by the GSM," said the official.

"Still, we are not complacent due to the developments in international market as South Korea, Australia and Japan pulled melamine-contaminated sweets and drinks from supermarket shelves on Saturday," added Al Reyaysa.

Authorities in Seoul ordered Mars and Nestle to pull out three products after melamine was detected in snacks made in China by the multinationals.

UAE retail chains reiterated that the tainted products are not on their shelves.

"We had removed all Chinese dairy off the shelves even before the ban," said Bejoy Thomas, Promotions and Marketing Manager of Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society.

A spokesperson of the Emke Group also said they keep a vigil over Chinese dairy products.