September 6, 2007

China wants pork producers to work with local governments to ensure food safety

Pork producers and local governments should jointly establish an inspection system to address pork safety issues, an official in charge of China's food quality said yesterday (Sep 6).

Li Changjiang, head of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine made the remarks on an inspection tour of a pork market in Tianjin, his third inspection of markets in 30 days.

The inspections were said to be part of the nation's four-month campaign to ensure food safety.

Food safety is paramount because it affects a company's image, Li said.  Companies are responsible for their products but local governments should also play an active role in supervision and ensuring food safety, he added.

Li said the agency is working to ensure two rules are enforced throughout China - slaughtering pigs only in designated areas and safe disposal of ill or dead pigs.