India banned Thursday the import of dairy products from China over concerns they could be contaminated with dangerous chemicals.
A government spokesman told AFP the temporary ban was only a preventative measure since India does not import dairy products from China.
India joined more than a dozen countries that have ordered bans or taken other steps to curb consumption following a scandal over tainted milk in China that has sickened 53,000 babies and killed four.
"The import from China of dairy products including milk and milk products… is prohibited for three months with immediate effect," India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a statement.
The ban came as China announced a series of moves to salvage its reputation, including new food testing centres and replacement of outdated equipment after revelations that milk powder and other dairy products contained melamine.
Melamine is mainly used for making plastic but when added to milk, it can make it appear richer in protein.
The chemical can cause kidney stones or in extreme cases renal failure.
