The latest tests have found that Chinese liquid milk met the new temporary restrictions on melamine, the country's top quality control agency said on Tuesday.

It was the 23rd test on the industrial chemical following the tainted baby formula scandal that sickened more than 50,000 infants, according to China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ).

Workers of the Gansu provincial quality control department test and determine liquid milk on October 8, 2008.The latest tests have found that Chinese liquid milk met the new temporary restrictions on melamine, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said on November 11, 2008. [Lanzhou Daily photo]

The latest test covered 978 batches of liquid milk under 100 brands in 37 major cities nationwide, the administration said.

To date, 12,209 batches of liquid milk under 197 brands in 60 cities produced after Sept. 14 were tested and all were in line with the limit, it added.

Melamine, often used in the manufacturing of plastics, was added to substandard or diluted milk to make the protein levels appear higher.

China set the temporary limits last month. They stipulate a maximum of 1 mg of melamine per kg of infant formula and a maximum 2.5 mg per kg for liquid milk, milk powder and food products containing at least 15 percent milk.

The administration Tuesday urged local quality watchdogs to strengthen quality and safety inspection on food and agricultural products, especially those supplied to Hong Kong.

The GAQSIQ also signed a memorandum of understanding on toy safety with the visiting German delegation on Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2008)