China says powdered milk tests as safe

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Chinese health authorities say samples of milk powder have proven safe in the latest inspections for the industrial chemical melamine.

The tests concluded Friday were the 17th round of inspections since word of the milk scandal broke in September, Xinhua, China's state-run news agency, reported Saturday.

More than 50,000 babies in China have been sickened by melamine-tainted milk products and several have died, Xinhua reported, noting the latest inspections tested 218 samples of milk powder from 30 brands produced in nine provinces.

Melamine, which is used to make plastics, illegally was added to milk products to make the protein content appear higher, Xinhua reported.