Private labs can help in testing

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The private sector is encouraged to assist the government in carrying out melamine testing.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said yesterday the number of products undergoing testing was a huge one and the ministry did not have enough manpower to carry out the testing at a rapid rate.
"Looking at the amount of testing involved, we would welcome the private sector to conduct tests," he said.
However, Dr Latiff stressed that private laboratories involved in the testing should be approved by the Health Ministry and tests should be conducted according to the ministry's standards and guidelines.
He said the ministry would be setting up 10 more labs to handle the work load.
Dr Latiff said manufacturers and retailers are expected to be responsible in removing products suspected of containing melamine from their shelves.
Asked what would happen to retailers who still continue to sell such products, he said they could be penalised.
He said the ministry did not want to create any unnecessary fear among the public about food items and lamented the fact that few people were buying biscuits these days.