23 countries limit entry of Zongzi

A seller arranges Zongzi for sale before Dragon Boat Festival at a local market in Taipei, Taiwan, June 8, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

About 23 countries and regions have prohibited the entry of Zongzi, a wrapped rice ball, Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau reported on its official Sina Weibo account on Tuesday.

At a time when Chinese citizens are busy preparing for the next month's Dragon Boat Festival in China, lots of passengers are finding themselves in an awkward position while trying to enter other countries with Zongzi, which is often enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Recently, about 23 countries and regions, including Germany, France, the United States and China's Taiwan province banned or restricted the entry of Zongzi, claiming the move was taken to prevent quarantine risks.

However, the regulations vary in different countries and regions. Singapore is open to Zongzi coming from Chinese mainland, but not from Hong kong. Six countries, including Australia and the UK, have banned the entry of Zongzi that has meat stuffing and egg yolk content.

Meanwhile, to minimize bacteria infection, China also has imposed regulations on imported Zongzi.