The producer of China's White Rabbit brand candy on Friday suspended the domestic sales of its products, which are suspected of melamine contamination.

The Guanshengyuan company had earlier recalled all exports, some of which tested positive for melamine in Singapore earlier this week.

Ge Junjie, vice-manager of the Shanghai Guangming (Bright) Dairy and Food Co, which owns Guanshengyuan, said the suspension of White Rabbit candy sales reflected "the company's conscientious decision to protect consumers".

The company's candy is still undergoing tests for melamine.

White Rabbit candy, first produced in 1959, is a household name in China and is sold in more than 50 countries and regions. Milk powder constitutes 45 percent of White Rabbit candy ingredients, said a veteran employee of Guanshengyuan.

He said the firm's milk powder supply came both from the parent dairy company of Guangming and other suppliers, whose products met the State's quality standards.

Guangming is among a group of major Chinese dairy producers, including Mengniu and Yili, involved in the ongoing scandal over melamine contamination.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2008)