India extends ban on milk imports from Chinese

NEW DELHI: India has extended ban on import of milk and its products from China for another six months, according to the foreign trade office.

The ban was in effect till December 24. "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 is further extended till 24.6.2012 or until further orders, whichever is earlier," Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

Imports of milk and milk products from China have been prohibited since September 2008.

Though the DGFT has not cited any reason for the ban, it is understood it was over fears of Chinese milk containing melamine, a deadly chemical, a source said.