The latest quality inspections of Chinese milk powder show the products continuing to meet new temporary limits on melamine content, the country's top quality watchdog said on Monday.

They are the 16th round of milk powder quality tests for the industrial chemical since the scandal of the tainted baby formula that sickened more than 50,000 babies broke in September, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ).

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

The latest tests covered 138 batches of baby formula from 18 brands produced in five provinces, as well as 135 batches of other milk powder products under 33 brands manufactured in 13 provinces nationwide, including leading producers Yili and Yashili, the administration said.

To date, 1,645 batches of baby formula under 78 brands produced in 17 provinces since Sept. 14 were tested and all were in line with the limits, it added.

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.

(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2008)