EU steps up border checks on baby milk ingredient from China

Brussels, Belgium: The EU has imposed tighter border controls on imports of a baby milk ingredient from China after it was singled out as the source o...

Brussels, Belgium: The EU has imposed tighter border controls on imports of a baby milk ingredient from China after it was singled out as the source of a major contamination scare, according to a text published Wednesday.

The toxin cereulide, which can cause nausea and diarrhoea, was first detected in December in batches of formula containing arachidonic acid oil, triggering recalls in dozens of countries.

The deaths of three infants are suspected to be linked to the consumption of recalled infant formula in France where authorities have launched a probe.

The European Commission said in its Official Journal it was "necessary to provide for an increased level of official controls and special conditions in relation to the importation of consignments of arachidonic acid oil from China".

Consignments entering the bloc from China will need an official certificate showing they have been tested and found to be cereulide toxin-free.