Chinese shoppers buy imported milk at a supermarket in Nanjing
© AFP/File

TEHRAN (AFP) - "Imports of basic materials, food and drink products made in China, in which milk has been used as an ingredient, are banned," the Kayhan newspaper quoted a health ministry statement as saying.

Melamine, which is normally used to make plastics, has been found in infant milk formula, sickening nearly 53,000 children and killing four in China.

In one of China's worst ever product recall scandals, countries from Asia to Europe have decided to suspend imports of Chinese milk products or to withdraw them from the market as the number of products involved grows.

"Those supplying such products will be legally dealt with," the Iranian health ministry said, adding that the goods will be also seized.

©AFP