China suspends Indian rapeseed meal imports from January 1

NEW DELHI: China has suspended imports of Indian rapeseed meal from January 1, 2012, Parliament was informed today.

"Import of Indian rapeseed meal has been suspended with effect from January 1, 2012, following alleged malachite green contamination found in some of the consignments of rapeseed meal," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

Asked whether any study has been conducted by government constituted body in this regard, Scindia said, "Yes."

A detailed study was conducted by the Export Inspection Council (EIC). The report submitted by EIC concludes that there is no direct application of malachite green to rapeseed meal, he said.

"The report states that there is no issue of purposeful application and the primary source of contamination of rapeseed meal with malachite green is the green dye which is used on the jute bags to print identification marks, Scindia said.

Further, he said, this study has been shared with the Chinese authorities through Embassy of India in Beijing and they have sought certain clarifications in this regard.

Replying to another query, he said the government has prohibited import of Chinese milk and milk products including chocolate and chocolate products and candies/confectionery/ food preparations with milk or milk solids as ingredient.