The Health Ministry has advised all consumers and retailers to periodically check the official list of products which exceeds allowed melamine levels in China-made food products.

In a statement today, the ministry said similar information can also be obtained from district health office and state health departments.

“The Health Ministry advises consumers not to buy biscuits sold in night markets, pasar tani and elsewhere which does not have labels.

“Consumers are advised to always read labels on food packaging before buying it,” read the statement.

Melamine has sometimes been unethically added into food products to boost their apparent protein content.

The protein levels of food products are done by measuring the nitrogen content, and adding nitrogen-rich compounds such as melamine can mislead the tests.

Consumers can also contact the Health Ministry’s four ‘melamine operation centres’ at 03-8883 3655, 03-8883 3503, 03-8883 3652 and 03-8883 3500.