February 7, 2007

China to tighten safety inspections of seafood products
 

Food safety authorities in China have said they will strengthen routine monitoring and special testing of aquatic produce and the ingredients used in their production.

The Xinhua News Agency reported that food safety officials would beef up the monitoring of produce safety, specifically aquatic products and fresh vegetables at production sites, supermarkets and wholesale markets.

Officials would be on the lookout for animal medicines, pesticides, fertilisers and feed additives banned or limited in applications.

Last year, widely publicised food safety incidents such as banned additives found in turbot and mandarin fish caused a stir in the market. China has also been criticised by the Asian Development Bank for its poor food safety supervision system was urged to implement a badly needed reform.

The Agricultural Ministry said quality inspectors may be sent to produce wholesale markets to conduct inspections.

Agricultural authorities would also start environmental safety assessments and inspection of produce production sites and employ a labelling system for GM (Genetically Modified) food and milk.