Chinese beverage manufacturer Nongfu Spring has disclosed to the local media that it is likely to suffer a loss of CNY1 billion as a result of reports of arsenic in certain of its soft drinks.

China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce has issued a circular in which it says that, before May 1 2009, it will conduct a special check on the sale and use of plastic bags in retailing sites.

The board of directors of Parkson Holdings Berhad has announced that Parkson Retail Group Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary, will indirectly acquire a 30% stake of Nanning Brilliant Parkson Commercial Co.

A unified "Green Cross" sign for national pharmaceutical retail companies has been launched recently and the first ten units that will use this mark have been designated.

China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce has issued four measures to further strengthen market management and regulate how promotions are handled at retail outlets.