Magnolia assures public of melamine-free products

MANILA, Philippines - Magnolia, Inc., a unit of food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp., on Thursday said all its dairy and milk products are "safe for consumption" amid contamination concerns on China-made food products. "None of Magnolia's products contain milk powder that originated from China," Magnolia said in a statement. The company said it imports raw materials only from "reputable and accredited partners" in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States. Magnolia produces dairy and milk goods under the brand names Magnolia, King's Creameries and Big M. Magnolia stressed that it recently received a seal of approval from the International Organization for Standardization following a series of tests on its products. "This certification is proof that Magnolia is serious about providing only the safest and superior quality products to consumers. We value this reputation for high standards which we have built up over so many years," said Magnolia General Manager Reginald Baylosis. The government recently imposed a ban on the importation of milk and dairy products from China to prevent the possible entry of food contaminated with melamine, a raw material used to make plastic and fertilizer. The contamination is blamed for the death of four infants and hospitalization of thousands of babies in China. - GMANews.TV