June 19, 2007

Shanghai to introduce new meat safety regulations

Authorities in China's Shanghai city are proposing a new set of regulation governing meat safety issues. Standard procedures for recalling unsafe meat will also be clearly spelt out in this new set of guidelines scheduled to be released later this year.

Most importantly, this new set of regulation calls for holistic management of meat safety issues. Currently, monitoring meat safety comes under the purview of a few government departments. Under the new system, only one government department will be in charge, with the other relevant departments playing a supportive role. Random checking on meat quality will also be conducted on a more regular basis.

To further ensure food safety, Shanghai's authorities will also establish a food inspection system in the second half of this year. Teams of food safety inspectors will be stationed in the various districts of the city to ensure that food safety regulations are strictly adhered to.