June 22, 2007

China agriculture ministry decries continued sale of fake veterinary drugs

China's Ministry of Agriculture has condemned underground dens for continuing production and sale of fake veterinary drugs, despite acknowledging that 81 percent of domestic veterinary drugs tested in the first quarter met required standards.

While the ministry found that 98 percent of veterinary drugs tested at recognised production sites were qualified, only 77.1 percent of ready for sale products passed official safety requirements. The proportion for ready for use products was also appalling at 71.3 percent.

Of 86 illegally produced drugs identified by the ministry, 35 were made by non-existent companies, 23 were imitations and seven were crude fakes. The others were either banned already or produced with false claims of official approval.

In response, the ministry said it would issue a new regulation at end-2007 to tighten controls over sale of veterinary drugs, and establish an information database to intensify monitoring of all such products.