Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to Senator Siewert’s question in relation to imported food products from China, I wish to provide the additional information that these candies—that is, the White Rabbit Creamy Candies—are unlikely to cause health problems if consumed in small amounts, but people who have eaten this product and who are concerned about their health should seek medical advice. Food Standards Australia New Zealand released a media advisory yesterday advising people not to consume these milk based sweets imported from China. This product is sold in retail packs throughout Asian retailers, supermarkets and restaurants.

We are aware of the melamine contamination of infant formula which resulted in the hospitalisation of more than 12,000 infants in China. Australia does not import infant formula products from China and has not imported full dairy products such as yoghurt or condensed milk from China since early 2007. Food Standards Australia New Zealand and state and territory food regulatory agencies are continuing to monitor the situation.