China rejects U.S. sardines infected with Listeria monocytogenes

Pathogen was found in Florida and voluntarily recalled in New York

A shipment of 47 tons of frozen sardines originally from the United States was rejected at a Chinese coastal city because regulators said it was infected with disease-inducing bacteria, state media reported Tuesday.

It is the latest report of China rejecting goods in what appears to be reverse damage control after a series of high-profile toy and food recalls in the West.

China's official Xinhua News Agency said that the sardines, imported from a Japanese trading company, were stopped Saturday by the inspection and quarantine bureau of Rongcheng city in Shandong province.

The report said sample inspections showed the sardines were infected with Listeria monocytogens, a pathogen that can lead to vomiting, fever and blood poisoning.

Mattel (MAT) ordered three high-profile recalls this summer involving more than 21 million Chinese-made toys, including Barbie doll accessories and toy cars because of concerns about lead paint or tiny magnets that could be swallowed.

The recalled packages were sold by New York and New Jersey area retail stores in white styropor foam trays and vacuum packed with a clear plastic bag.

The Acme Smoked Fish Corp. initiated the voluntary recall after routine testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one four-ounce package. The organism poses a potential health rise for pregnant women, young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.

Aporte: Guillermo Figueroa