India extends ban on import of milk, milk products from China

NEW DELHI: India has extended the ban on import of dairy products from China for six months to ward off any threat of contaminated whitener which had caused deaths of few infants and made several thousands ill.

The ban was to expire on June 24. "...the Central government extends the prohibition on import of milk and milk products including chocolates and chocolate products and candies/confectionery/food preparations with milk or milk solids as an ingredient from China...for a period of six months from 24 June 2009," Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said.

Melamine, used for making plastics and fertiliser, was found in infant milk and other dairy products of several Chinese firms. The dangerous chemical can cause kidney stones as well as failure of the organ.

India, in September 2008, had imposed the ban on Chinese milk and its products for three months which was later extended in December last year for six months.

More than a dozen countries in Asia and Africa had also banned milk and dairy product imports from China while several others had recalled the products suspected to be contaminated.

China exported dairy products worth 359 million in 2007. While India does not import milk products from China, the ban is being seen as a preventive measure.

India is the world's largest producer of milk. The country's output stood at 102 million tons in 2007-08.