New Delhi, July 27 China is threatening to ban seafood and food products from India if New Delhi continues to restrict import of Chinese milk products.
“The Chinese said that if India insists on this decision (to ban import of milk and milk products, including chocolate and chocolate products), China will respond to the safety and quality issues for imported products from India,” Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
In a response to the extension of ban on milk and milk products, including chocolate exported by China to India till December 24, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China had conveyed that it had encountered food safety problems in imported food products from India, including seafood items.
China, however, has not imposed a ban on import of the food products, the Minister said.
He said that the Government has conveyed to the neighbouring country that India has taken note of their concerns. China has also been told that the decision to extend the ban till December 24 was taken after due consultation with authorities concerned and experts in the dairy industry.
“The Government of India is in touch with the Chinese Government through our Embassy in Beijing to discuss such trade related issues,” Mr Scindia said.
Source : Business Line