After warning of retaliation for Korean food-safety warnings, China has started testing Korean-made plastic wrap for potentially harmful chemicals. The Korea Food and Drug Administration earlier warned the carcinogenic dye malachite green was found in freshwater fish imported from China and some Chinese kimchi was infested with parasites.
Korean manufacturers capture the largest share in the Chinese plastic wrap market. Therefore, all eyes are on whether Chinese authorities¡¯ investigation into Korean-made plastic wrap is revenge for Korea¡¯s accusation of Chinese-produced kimchi.
Most of China¡¯s major media on Oct. 14, the day after a Korean lawmaker warned Chinese kimchi was unusually high in lead, reported in concert that Korean-produced plastic wrap contained carcinogens and was harmful to humans.
One Korean chemical company, three Japanese makers and one Taiwanese manufacturer dominate the Chinese plastic wrap market. They have no Chinese rivals. The Korean producer imports raw materials from Korea and manufactures the products in China. Thus even if China tightens production standards or regulations, it will unlikely trigger a direct trade conflict, though it will deal a blow to the Korean producer.
Chinese authorities are expected to announce new standards for plastic wrap next week.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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