Extend ban on import of Chinese milk, chocolates for 1 yr: FSSAI

The Indian food regulator has extended the ban on milk and other dairy products imported from China for another year. Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which has been in the news for countrywide recall of Nestle's Maggi and stopping its production, has now said there is no case for declaring Chinese dairy imports, including chocolates safe for consumption. The ban was first imposed in 2008, and since then extended year by year. Not only that, all food imports from China will have to undergo meticulous sampling and testing.

The ban on dairy products has been extended due to melamine contamination. According to FSSAI chief executive YS Malik, "the decision on the subject could not be influenced by any economic considerations". There are serious concerns on a number of Chinese products entering India by way of mis-classification and grey markets, Malik is learnt to have said after an expert panel meeting last week.

The development comes at a time when Nathu La pass near India-China border has been opened after 50 years for Indian pilgrims going to Kailash Mansarovar. Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited China with trade between the two countries as a major talking point.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives of ministry of external affairs and commerce, besides officials of National Dairy Development Board and FSSAI. External affairs representatives said the ministry had not received any communication from China on reversing the ban or on producing evidence that milk and dairy products from that country was safe for consumption.