Beijing blocks Evian water shipment

Paris/Beijing: French food group Danone said yesterday that five container loads of Evian had failed inspection by Chinese authorities, who found the mineral water contained an excessive amount of bacteria.

The quality of the water complied with World Health Organisation standards, but China uses "microbial flora" standards different from those of the WHO, Danone said in a statement.

The news comes as the quality and safety of Chinese food products have come under scrutiny since tainted pet food caused deaths of cats and dogs in the United States and toxins in toothpaste exported from China prompted recalls in Latin America.

The maker of LU cookies, Evian and Activia yoghurt said the five containers of bottled water arrived in China in February and would be shipped back to France.