Chinese authorities have opened an investigation into several diaper brands, including Huggies, following media reports that a rash-causing irritant was detected in the products.

Beijing's market watchdog confirmed the probe on Monday, responding to local media coverage that highlighted the potential health risks to consumers.

The investigation centers on allegations that certain batches of nappies contained substances capable of causing skin irritation.

While the specific chemical agent and the extent of the contamination have not been detailed, the involvement of a global brand like Huggies underscores the potential scale of the issue.

The probe aims to determine whether regulatory standards were breached and to identify the source of the contaminant.

This development adds to a series of consumer safety and regulatory challenges for multinational companies operating in China.