European Union countries are stepping up safety controls on Chinese food imports following a US crackdown on Chinese farm-raised catfish, shrimp and other seafood, the European Commission said on Friday.
The US Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it would not allow imports of the Chinese seafood until suppliers could prove shipments were free from harmful residues.
"We are currently reviewing the situation in respect of the US decision, but we have asked our countries to be extra vigilant and the+y are stepping up their controls," a spokesman for the 27-country EU's executive arm said.
The US FDA said there was no immediate threat to the public because the seafood contained low levels of the substances, but serious health problems could emerge if the products were consumed over long periods.
Catfish, basa, shrimp, dace and eel will not be allowed into the United States from China until the importer can show products meet US requirements and safety standards. US officials have uncovered a series of unsafe products imported from China.
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