Japan suspends mozzarella imports
Buffalo mozzarella cheese is prepared at a dairy in Caserta, near Naples, southern Italy
Buffalo herds produce the best milk for mozzarella
Japan has suspended imports of buffalo mozzarella from Italy, after reports that high levels of dioxin have been found in the cheese.
South Korea halted imports at the weekend amid fears that some cheese had been made with milk contaminated with the carcinogenic chemical compound.
The European Commission has asked Italy for urgent information, adding that there is no proof of contamination.
Police are investigating whether feed given to herds near Naples was tainted.
The area, which produces large quantities of mozzarella, has become inundated with rubbish piled up in the streets, as the garbage disposal system has ground to a halt.