Last week, the Department of Public Health warned the public not to buy any milk products, which include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder and casein, with ingredients that came from China. (See related story on page 14)
“This product contains sufficiently high levels of melamine which may, in some individuals, cause health problems such as kidney stones. Currently, [the Bureau of Environmental Health] is inspecting retail establishments throughout the CNMI to remove any product from the shelves,” the department advisory stated.
Fitial urged stores owners to always abide with CNMI regulation, but added that the situation is only temporary.
“I don’t care what businesses will do as long as they follow the regulations,” he said.
Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said the ultimate goal of the CNMI government is to protect the health of the community.
Based on its finding, the Department of Health has not found infant formula from China for sale in the CNMI, but it is still urging all vendors to remove all items containing milk products that originated from the Asian country.
Public Health said it has intensified its campaign against the possible presence of melamine contamination, which was blamed for the death of four babies in China.
But the governor said he has yet to receive any complaint from consumers and from those who sell milk products.
Public Health initiated an environmental health inspection last week, saying that more than 70 stores have been inspected for the presence of products that might contain melamine.
