Manila - Philippine health authorities found another melamine-tainted Chinese milk brand being sold in the country, the third since tests were conducted on dozens of milk and milk-based products two weeks ago, they announced Wednesday.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said Jolly Cow Slender High Calcium Low Fat Milk was found positive for melamine contamination.

Last week health authorities said Greenfood Yili Pure Milk and Mengniu Original Drink Milk, both manufactured in China and sold in the Philippines, were also found to contain melamine.

Duque said a total of 49 other milk brands and milk products, mostly manufactured in China, were cleared of melamine contamination.

The health department's testing of Chinese milk and milk products was prompted by a scandal in China where four babies died and more than 53,000 fell ill from drinking infant formula contaminated with melamine.

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

The Philippines has banned the sale and importation of Chinese milk and milk products after the scandal broke out over fears these were contaminated with melamine.