South Korean noodles recalled in China over carcinogen
Xinhua and Staff Reporter 2012-10-30 17:31
Instant noodles on sale at a supermarket. (File photo/Teng Po-jen)
China's consumer quality watchdog said Tuesday that some instant noodles imported from the Republic of Korea will be recalled for containing a carcinogenic substance.
The recall came after the Korean Food and Drug Administration announced last week that it would recall six types of instant noodles made by Nongshim, South Korea's largest instant noodle maker, after they were found to contain benzopyrene, a compound that can cause lung cancer.
The Chinese government has requested importers to voluntarily recall the affected products, including Neoguri, bowl-type Neoguri and Sang Sang noodles, Li Yuanping, spokesman of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, said at a press conference.
Local quarantine authorities have also been asked to step up checks over instant noodles imported from the country and ban imports that fail to meet China's standards, Li said.
The watchdog will maintain contact with the Korean authorities for recall information while urging importers to carry out their responsibilities, Li said.
