Chinese inspectors said they have seized shipments of orange pulp and dried apricots from the United States that contain excessive bacteria, mildew, and sulfur dioxide.

A statement carried on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said the orange pulp was supplied by Modern Skill Co., Ltd. and the dried apricots were supplied by Mariani Packing Company, Inc.

The orange pulp was seized in east China's Shandong Province, and the dried apricots in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province.

The statement said the orange pulp has been processed under the administration's supervision, while the dried apricots have been destroyed.

The statement gave no details of the quantities of fruit seized or the names of the importers.

The administration has ordered local inspectors to intensify scrutiny over food products imported from the United States. It also asked importers to specify food safety requirements in importing US food products to lower trade risks.

(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2007)