Nairobi — The Government has banned importation of eggs and related products from China.

This follows an earlier ban on milk and other related products from the country by the Kenya Bureau of Standards after the detection of traces of melamine.

Managing director Kioko Mang'eli said the ban also affects products from territories near China and takes effect immediately.

"The related eggs products will include noodles, mayonnaise, animal feeds and animal feed inputs."

He said strict surveillance on all food and foodstuffs from China and related countries will also continue.

"This exercise will be in force until the affected products are proved to be free from the contaminants," the MD said.

Food products from China have been on spot since milk from the country was discovered to be laced with melamine, which is used in the manufacture of plastics.

The toxic substance that can make protein levels appear higher in baby milk has been banned in food.

Some countries in Asia and Africa have also put out a health alert over the contaminated Chinese product.

Last week, four brands of Chinese eggs were found to be contaminated with melamine, and agriculture officials speculated that the cause was adulterated feed given to hens. No illnesses have been linked to melamine in eggs.

Tuskys Supermarket general manager Frank Kamau told its customers not to worry as the retail chain does not import eggs from China.

"We do not also deal in animal feeds."

He said Tuskys imports mayonnaise from the US.