China finds worm-infested US packaging

BEIJING -- China found microscopic worms and other harmful organisms in several batches of wooden packaging imported from the United States, state media said on Friday.

The pine wood nematodes were found in 13 sets of packaging in the manufacturing hub of Shenzhen, the China Daily said.

China has highlighted several quality concerns with US products in apparent response to recent complaints in Washington about the safety of Chinese exports.

A series of scandals involving tainted Chinese products ranging from pet food and toothpaste to toys has put increasing pressure on Beijing to clean up its manufacturing sector.