Jul 20, 2007, 1:40 GMT
Singapore - A popular chewy candy from China is being tested in Singapore for the chemical formaldehyde, commonly used as a preservative in embalming the dead, health officials said Friday.
White Rabbit Creamy Candy, covered with edible rice paper, has been blamed for causing respiratory problems and raising the risk of cancer.
Samples were taken for testing by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) after officials in the Philippines decided to recall four China-made products, including White Rabbit candy, from shelves by the middle of next month, citing formaldehyde contamination.
None of the other three products is available in the city-state.
An importer of the candy has been bringing stocks of the milk- based product in from Shanghai.
White Rabbit's manufacturer, Guan Sheng Yuan, has disputed allegations of formaldehyde contamination. Its own tests found no traces of the chemical.
The AVA said it would issue a national recall if it had reason to believe the sweets contained high-risk contaminants.
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