Lab tests safety of imported bird nests

A national laboratory in Qinzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, that is inspecting the quality of bird nests for use as a health food, is currently awaiting final approval to start importing raw nests - which some consider a delicacy.

The nests, which come mostly from Indonesia and Malaysia, are in demand in China.

"We have finished all preparations for the designated port to import raw bird nests and have reported to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine," said Huang Juanwu, deputy director of the inspection bureau in Qinzhou. She said approval was expected to come next year.