China's top quality watchdog announced Tuesday that two brands of mineral water from France were among more than 420 imported food or cosmetic items found substandard during entry tests.

French mineral water fails China quality tests.[File photo]

Excessive nitrite, which may increase cancer risks, was detected in Evian and Volvic water, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine(AQSIQ) said in a report put on its official website.

Evian and Volvic have established a presence in Shanghai through high-end restaurants, hotels and supermarkets since the Danone Group introduced the brands to China.

"The recent scandal hasn't pulled their products off our shelves as we are waiting for the further notice from headquarters," said a spokesman for Tesco in Shanghai.

This isn't the first time Evian has fallen foul of China's food safety rules. In January, more than 80 tons of its mineral water failed entry inspection, also for excessive nitrite, and was destroyed by the local authority,Shanghai Daily reported.

In 2007, the regulator seized 118 tons of Evian water with excessive amounts of bacteria.

In its defense, Danone cited the difference between the local standard and the one set by the World Health Organization, and said that microbial flora was commonly to be found in natural spring water.

(Shanghai Daily contributed to this story)

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