China's quality watchdog said on Thursday it found toxic chemicals in food products imported from Japan.
Tests conducted by Guangdong Entry-Exit inspection and quarantine institution found Japan-produced soy sauce and mustard sauce were contaminated by toluene and acetic ester, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) said on its website.
The food products were produced by three Japanese factories. But GAQSIQ didn't reveal the names of the producers.
Maximal toluene content was 0.0053 mg per kg, while acetic ester content was 0.537 mg per kg. This would risk people's health, said experts.
Toluence and acetic ester are chemicals that can be used as dyeware, paint and solvent. It will lead to headache and vomit if people eat the food tainted with them.
The GAQSIQ has ordered Chinese importers to inspect and test products of the same kind and remove them from shelves, in a bid to ensure consumer safety.
No sickness were reported in China, but earlier Japanese media said some Japanese people felt sick after eating food tainted by the two chemicals.
(China Daily October 31, 2008)