Korean noodles recalled in China for containing carcinogenic content

China's consumer quality watchdog said Tuesday that some instant noodles imported from the Republic of Korea (ROK) will be recalled because of their carcinogenic content.

The recall came after the Korean Food and Drug Administration announced last week that it would recall six types of instant noodles made by Nongshim, the ROK's largest instant noodle maker, after they were found to contain benzopyrene, a compound that can cause lung cancer.

The Chinese government has requested importers to voluntarily recall the problematic products, including Neoguri, bowl-type Neoguri and Sang Sang noodles, Li Yuanping, spokesman of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), said at a press conference.

Local quarantine authorities have also been asked to step up checks over instant noodles imported from the ROK and ban imports that fail to meet the country's standards, Li said.

AQSIQ will maintain contact with ROK authorities for recall information while urging importers to carry out their responsibilities, Li said.