China strengthens inspection of agricultural products

China's Ministry of Agriculture had strengthened the routine monitoring of the quality and safety of agricultural products in 2009.

The number of product categories monitored increased from four to ten, the monitoring parameter increased from 30-68, and the monitoring scope increased from 36 municipalities, cities specially designated in the state plan, and capital cities to 259 large and medium cities nationwide.

The monitoring results of 2009 showed that with the scaled up management of quality and safety of agricultural products, China witnessed steady progress in quality and safety of agricultural products.

The Ministry of Agriculture has released the monitoring results, instructing local authorities to deal with outstanding problems, enhance law enforcement and execute penalties for unqualified agricultural products and their enterprises.

Meanwhile, the ministry has identified specific activities for the quality and safety of agricultural products in 2010, clarifying priorities and goals. Agricultural products and agricultural inputs with high safety risks and hidden hazards should be further managed. Pesticides and veterinary drugs which are prohibited should be further controlled.