Local medical experts in Shanghai are warning people with milk allergies to pay more attention when they buy beverages, as some contain milk by-products that could make them sick.
The alert was issued after the US Food and Drug Administration ordered a Japanese trade company to recall its soft drinks after they were found to contain milk protein, which wasn't listed on the label.
The FDA warned people who have allergies to milk protein that they may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if consuming the beverage.
The nishin Trading Inc fixed the labels on its Kirin Soft Drink, a tea made by Japan-based Kirin and returned the products to shelves in America yesterday.
The brand's domestic producer, Shanghai Jinjiang Kirin Beverage and Food Co, claimed that all Kirin beverages sold in China are made in Shanghai and Beijing, and the labels clearly state there are condensed milk and milk powder in the milk tea drinks.
However, doctors said many consumers who have allergies don't realize some beverage ingredients could also be fatal. Some people who have allergic symptoms seldom visit hospitals to identify the cause of allergy. In addition, people with allergies to milk protein may not realize they are also allergic to milk powder or other milk products.
"Having allergies to milk protein can result in rashes and a swollen throat. The swollen throat can be fatal sometimes," said Dr Wang Guisong from Renji Hospital.
He warned people with allergies to be very careful when choosing beverages.
"I just check the ingredients to find out if it contains sugar, which may make me fat. I never think about milk or milk products," said Lily Xu, a local office worker.
Zhang jinlin, a retiree, said she gets diarrhea from drinking cold milk. "But I never refuse milk tea. I don't know that milk tea also can result in a bad reaction."
Anyone who does have an allergic reaction from drinking milk should visit a doctor instead of trying to treat themselves with over the counter drugs, Wang said.
(Shanghai Daily June 23, 2005)
