India extends ban on Chinese milk products over melamine fears

India on Thursday extended the ban on import of milk and milk products from China for another six months, according to the foreign trade office.

The items prohibited for import into India from the neighbouring country would include chocolate and chocolate products, candies, confectioneries and food preparations with milk as an ingredient. The ban was notified by the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) in the commerce ministry.

Imports of milk and milk products from China have been prohibited since September 2008.

Though the DGFT has not cited any reason for the ban, it is understood that it was over fears of Chinese milk containing melamine, a deadly chemical. However, further details were not forthcoming.