China threatens ban on Indian seafood

Beijing has threatened to ban import of seafood and other food products from India if New Delhi continues with its ban on import of milk products from China.

"The Chinese side said if India insists on this decision (to ban import of milk and milk products, including chocolate and chocolate products, China will respond to the safety and quality issues for imported products from India," minister of state for commerce and industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a written reply.

He said the government has extended a ban on import of milk and milk products from China, including chocolate exported by China to India, till 24 December.

In response, he said, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China had conveyed that it had encountered food safety problems in imported food products from India, including seafood products.

China, however, has not imposed a ban on import of the food products, Scindia added.

He said while the government has taken note of the concerned of the neighbour, China has also been told that the decision to extend the ban was taken after due consultation with authorities concerned and industry experts.

He said the Indian embassy in Beijing is in constant touch with the Chinese government over the matter and other related issues.