US calls for new food safety import rules for China

WASHINGTON, May 24 (Reuters) The Bush administration called for new safety steps to protect food and other imports from China, US officials said today.

US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said the rules would include a new registry of China exporters. China has not accepted or rejected the plan.

Food safety was spotlighted in high-level talks this week between the Bush administration and a delegation led by Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi after melamine, a chemical used in plastics and fertilizers, surfaced in US pet food this year, killing pets and prompting wide recalls.

Reuters SLD DB2330