Antibiotic anxiety
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11/29/2002
A report saying milk containing antibiotics had entered the local market produced huge negative effects on consumers over recent months. Official media voice Xinhuanet said as the popularity of milk increases, the likelihood of such "poison milk" incidents also rises. But the report angered the China Dairy Industry Association. The head of the association said the report had been exploited by some international milk producers with the aim of damaging the country's diary industry. An investigation into non-antibiotics milk launched by the association concluded that dairy products in the Chinese market were "worthy of trust". The investigation, concerning research into the antibiotics contained in milk, aims to evaluate the safety of local produce. The investigation, conducted by a Beijing-based dairy product supervision centre subordinated to the Ministry of Agriculture, said eight brands of dairy products, from among 45 sampled in 13 provinces and cities, were found to contain antibiotic residues, according to the Beijing Morning Post. It concluded that the situation was "rather good". Another investigation launched by the Ministry of Health last year, covering 135 fresh and 60 powdered milk products also showed a similar result. A total of 30 fresh and two powdered milk products were found to contain such residues. The Ministry of Agriculture released the standard for milk quality in September 2001. It ruled that antibiotic residues should not be accepted in dairy produce. "The new standard has only just been implemented, the industry needs some time to adjust," said Song Kungang, director of the association. Song pointed out there were 13 other contaminants beside antibiotics included in the standards, and undue attention was being paid to the antibiotics issue. After China's entry into the World Trade Organization imports of milk powder increased. "So why is the media emphasizing antibiotic residues in milk at this time? Do they want to destroy the industry or break the confidence of consumers?" Song angrily asked a Guangdong-based newspaper, the Yuegang Information Daily. The problem of antibiotic residues in milk is of concern around the world according to Professor Fang Weihuan of Zhejiang University. Because most cattle farms use antibiotics to treat their cows. The antibiotics enters the milk and contaminates it. Drinking too much milk containing antibiotics can harm people's health, according to Gao Qingtian, an expert at the university. But by increasing resistance to antibiotic drugs it can make medical treatment less effective. China Daily news
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