96 batches of imported foods returned or destroyed

China's top quality watchdog has revealed that 96 batches of imported food products were returned or destroyed in October due to poor quality.

The substandard products, which came from 21 countries and regions, including cakes, cookies, tea and beverages, were seized at ports of entry before they could be sold in the domestic market, Fu Wenbiao, deputy director of the general office of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, said at a news conference on Nov 28.

Containing excessive microorganisms and illegal food additives were the main reasons the products were rejected for sale in China, he said.

The administration also reported 12 fatalities and 23 injures that were caused in 18 special equipment accidents, mainly involving elevators, boilers and mechanical equipment, in October.

Most of the accidents occurred due to people not following instructions and lacking sufficient safety awareness, Fu said.

Also in October, a total of 1,817 harmful species were found on 54,092 occasions during import quarantine checks for agricultural products, the administration said.

A series of quarantine measures, such as harm-elimination treatment, have been taken to prevent the harmful species from spreading, it said.