Taiwan bans Chinese milk products, proteins

TAIPEI: A government minister says Taiwan has suspended imports of all Chinese milk products and vegetable-based proteins until China clears up the contamination of its milk supplies. (Watch)

Health Minister Lin Fang-yu also urged Taiwanese on Monday not to consume locally made puddings, instant coffee and ice cream containing Chinese-made protein additives.

Officials say at least seven Taiwanese companies have imported contaminated proteins from China. They say the proteins are made from corn or other vegetables but may be mixed with tainted milk products to improve their flavor.

Dairy products tainted by the industrial chemical melamine have killed four infants and sickened more than 50,000 children in China.