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China watchdog bans tainted Indonesian cookies

15 Aug 2007 09:33:38 GMT
Source: Reuters

BEIJING, Aug 15 (Reuters) - China's quality watchdog has banned the import of children's cookies produced by PT. Arnott's Indonesia, a subsidiary of U.S. food giant Campbell Soup Company <CPB.N>, after tests detected excessive levels of aluminium, the watchdog said.

The move comes as China's exports are itself placed under heightened international scrutiny following the recall of millions of toys made for Mattel because of excessive lead and unsafe magnets, and a series of scandals involving pet food, toothpaste and tyres.

Some 1.6 tonnes (3,530 pounds) of biscuits from Indonesia in several flavours of a children's brand were found with aluminium levels about three times above the standard, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said on its Web site on Wednesday.

"AQSIQ has already reported the situation to Indonesia and requested that appropriate measures be taken," the notice said.

Aluminium consumed in high amounts over long periods of time has been linked to memory loss, central nervous system damage and dementia.

Staff at Campbell Soup offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong contacted by Reuters by telephone said relevant departments were unavailable to provide comment.

Earlier in the month, China banned imports of fish and other aquatic products from Indonesia after finding heavy metals, including cadmium and mercury, and drug residues in samples.

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Last updated:Wed Aug 15 09:34:39 2007