Manila - The Philippines banned on Tuesday the sale and importation of Chinese milk products amid fears over contaminated infant formula that killed four babies in China and sickened some 53,000.

The Bureau of Food and Drugs also called on consumers to report to authorities if they encounter Chinese milk products in stores, supermarkets or groceries.

"The Bureau of Food and Drugs is directing all licensed importers and/or distributors of registered milk products sourced in China to immediately stop from further importing, selling and offering for sale these products," the agency said in an advisory.

According to local media reports, some stores in the Philippines were selling milk brands from China's Mengniu Dairy Group and Yili Industrial Group Co - two of the three companies found to have melamine in their milk.

Melamine is used as a binding agent and coating for particle, fibre and laminated board. It is also used to make fertilizer. (dpa)