China watchdog bans Indonesian cookies

BEIJING: China’s quality watchdog has banned the import of children’s cookies produced by PT. Arnott’s Indonesia, an arm of US food giant Campbell Soup Company, after tests detected excessive levels of aluminium, the watchdog said.

The move comes as China’s exports are itself placed under heightened international scrutiny following the recall of millions of toys made for Mattel because of excessive lead and unsafe magnets, and a series of scandals involving pet food, toothpaste and tyres.