In China drinking beer could seriously damage your health. At least 16 people were killed by exploding beer bottles in 11 Chinese provinces and cities in recent months, the country's Economic Daily said yesterday.

Consumer groups recorded 147 accidents involving faulty products between April and June, in which 16 people were killed, 163 injured and 10 disabled, the newspaper said.

The accidents also caused property losses of £1.5 million, it said. Faulty consumer products are not uncommon in China, where little attention is paid to quality control at many loss making state enterprises.