China Suspends Imports from Japanese Dairy Company

China has temporarily suspended all dairy imports by Japan's Snow Brand Milk Products Co., whose milk sickened thousands in Japan last month, China Central Television reported Thursday.

The temporary ban was introduced after local authorities detected small quantities of imported Snow Brand milk products in Shanghai, CCTV said.

Products already imported will be inspected for contamination, the report said, adding that all passengers at ports of entry as well as incoming mail will be checked to ensure the ban is maintained.

Japan was stunned by last month's food poisoning, the worst case in decades. The outbreak stemmed from staph bacteria in a production-line valve for lowfat milk at a Snow Brand factory.

The company halted production last week at all 21 of its plants pending an independent inspection.





People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/