A total of 593 batches of imported goods were tested to be not up to standards, including well-known brands like Pringles potato chips from the U.S., according to a list issued by the national quality regulator.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) has released a blacklist of unqualified products imported from overseas in January and February.

Two batches of Pringles potato chips imported by Zhuhai-based Kangrui trading Co. were found to contain excessive potassium bromate, a chemical substance that the International Agency for Research on Cancer believes would cause cancer.

Fanta, a kind of carbonate drink under Coca Cola, imported by Shanghai Sharon Information & Trading Co. Ltd, was detected to contain excessive benzoic acid that would irritate both eyes and skin in case of contact.

The GAQSIQ said stores which purposely sell such goods would be imposed a fine of at least 50,000 yuan (US$7,143) and all the goods would be confiscated.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2008)