The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) said on Friday that they have banned the import and sale of all milk and dairy products from China with immediate effect after tests found melamine contamination in two brands of China-made milk products.

The chemical was found in two samples of Yili Brand Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yogurt Flavoured Ice Confection, and also in the Dutch Lady brand of strawberry flavoured milk manufactured in China

As a precautionary measure, AVA is also suspending the import and sale of all milk and milk products from China with immediate effect.

In addition, local food manufacturers have also been instructed to cease the use of milk and milk products from China as ingredients until the completion of our investigations. Consignments which have newly arrived or on the way will also be withheld from sale.

Consumers are also advised not to consume any milk and milk products from China pending AVA's investigations.

In China, 6,244 children have become ill, with four dead and 158 suffering acute kidney failure after consuming milk powder tainted with melamine, a banned chemical used in making plastics.

AVA would like to reassure the public that there is no import of infant formula from China into Singapore. Infant formulas sold in Singapore are safe for consumption.