August 7, 2007

China's seafood ban baffles Indonesia
 

In response to China's total ban on Indonesian seafood, the South-east Asian country has sought an official explanation from Chinese authorities for their decision.

According to the Indonesian government, China's move came without any prior notification.

While the ban did not highlight any specific seafood products, Chinese authorities said the Indonesian products were found tainted with mercury and cadmium.

China's food safety watchdog said that all Indonesian seafood imports received up to last Friday (Aug 3) would be closely inspected, and those that passed the checks would be allowed into the country. Shipments received after that day would be returned or destroyed.

Some Indonesian officials have demanded for China to present laboratory evidence to support the ban, claiming that the move was in retaliation to Indonesia's ban on several tainted Chinese products.