China welcomes the results of a New Zealand probe into the safety of made-in-China children's pajamas, commerce ministry spokesman Wang Xinpei said yesterday.

 

The New Zealand government launched an investigation last week into children's nightwear from China to determine whether it meets garment fire safety standards. The probe came after two complaints of children suffering minor burns while wearing pajamas imported from China.

 

Testing was conducted by an independent laboratory.

 

The investigation found the Red Stamp brand of pajamas sold at outlets of New Zealand retailer Warehouse Group Ltd met product safety standards for children's nightwear, according to a statement on the New Zealand Commerce Commission's website.

 

Stuart Wallace, acting director of fair trading with the commerce commission, said the pajamas passed both the dimension requirements for close-fitting garments and the surface burn after washing test. Compliance with each is required for a garment to carry the "low fire danger" label as set out in the safety standards.

 

"However, low fire danger does not mean no fire danger," he said. "All clothing and fabric will burn."

 

"While the aim of the product safety standard is to reduce the danger of night garments catching fire or the likelihood of them burning if they do catch fire, there is always a risk when children are near heat sources. Extreme vigilance is needed," he said.

 

Wang said yesterday that China welcomed the findings of the investigation.

 

"The government is responsible for consumers (using imported Chinese products) around the world and will not shy away from any problems," he said.

 

Mounting concern over the safety of Chinese products worldwide has prompted a four-month government campaign against poor product quality and supervision.

 

Eight categories of products are involved - pork, drugs, agricultural products, processed food, food in the catering sector, import and export products, and other products related to public health such as toys and electrical wires.

 

The move aims to improve the quality of made-in-China products by the end of the year.

 

A Cabinet-level food safety and quality control panel was also established, headed by Vice-Premier Wu Yi.

 

(China Daily August 31, 2007)