January 31, 2013

China concerned with New Zealand milk powder imports

China's food safety and quarantine agency is seeking more reassurances from New Zealand after chemical residues were detected in milk powder from the latter.

It was publicly revealed last week that small levels of the dicyandiamide (DCD), used in some fertilisers, had been found in some dairy products. Sparking reports of safety concerns in foreign media and accusations of a cover-up.

The State General Administration of Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine would "continue to pay attention to and investigate" the case.

The ministerial-level agency had met with New Zealand ambassador to China, Carl Worker, and asked New Zealand to provide a risk assessment report as soon as possible.