Brazil indefinitely banned all Chinese food imports on Tuesday because of safety concerns.Brazil's National Agency for Sanitary Vigilance said it acted because of the contaminated milk crisis in China that has killed four children and sickened another 54,000 in the Asian nation.
The milk crisis has sparked global concerns about food products made with Chinese milk or milk powder.
Brazil's food imports from China are minimal _ in 2007 the country bought just US$120 million in such products.
The Brazilian agency said the ban will remain in effect as long as there is a "risk to the health of the population."
China's government has struggled to contain the widespread contamination of milk and other dairy products with melamine, a chemical used in making plastics and fertilizers.
Chinese authorities believe suppliers trying to cut costs diluted milk, then added melamine to fool quality control tests and make the product appear rich in protein.
Melamine, like protein, is high in nitrogen. However, the chemical can cause kidney stones as the body tries to eliminate it and, in extreme cases, can lead to life-threatening kidney failure.
Chinese officials say they have not detected any melamine in milk products since mid-September.
Videos
Post your feedback
