TOKYO (AFP) - Japan has suspended imports of Italian-made buffalo mozzarella after high levels of dioxin were found in the cheese, a health ministry official said Wednesday.

Japan's ban follows similar action by South Korea, which has triggered criticism in Italy.

Italian authorities said last week that high levels of dioxin, which increases the risk of cancer, were found in 66 buffalo herds around the city of Naples.

"We ordered a suspension of imports of the cheese until we obtain accurate information," said Japanese health ministry official Kitpei Baba.

Italian authorities suspect the problem was caused by the bad diet of the buffaloes around Naples, a major mozzarella region which is suffering from a waste crisis that has left rubbish piled up in the streets.

Italian Agriculture Minister Paolo De Castro called South Korea's ban "excessive" and voiced fears it would create a "dangerous panic".

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