Public unease over melamine contamination of eggs, particularly those imported from China, was highlighted by some National Assembly delegates at a meeting yesterday in Ha Noi.
The delegates wanted relevant agencies to tighten controls over import and the quality of eggs in the market.
Delegate Nguyen Dinh Xuan from Tay Ninh province said that consumers’ worries were not eased by the familiar refrain: “We have not yet found melamine in officially imported eggs.”
Regardless of whether they were officially imported or brought in over the border, quality controls needed to be tightened a lot, he said.
“What matters most is defensive ability, but our management of food hygiene and safety has been less effective and has not been paid due attention,” he said, adding that the ability to foresee a situation was also poor.
He suggested that the line-up of market controllers be strengthened, especially those in charge of food hygiene and safety. The lack of effectiveness in market management was part due to insufficient manpower, Xuan said.
There has been no scientific evidence yet on how much melamine contained in food can be harmful to human health, said delegate Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, Deputy Minister of Health. As for eggs, it is not sure whether melamine has been put into eggs or they have been naturally tainted with the chemical, she said.
In principle, melamine is not allowed in food, but regulations on melamine vary from country to country. It is too early to determine what impacts melamine-tainted eggs may have on human health, Tien said.
Usually, developed countries imposed stricter regulations than other countries in terms of product quality.
“In our country, the responsibility for checking egg quality is assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,” she said.
HCM City: No melamine-tainted eggs found so far Any traders of eggs without brand and quarantine seal will be asked to prove the origin of their products, Loi said. |
