November 28, 2007

China resumes campaign against spoiled pork

China will renew its move against illegal slaughterhouses and the sale of diseased, spoiled pork in its intensified campaign on food safety, according to the Commerce Ministry.

The campaign hopes to stop reports on substandard food and medicines produced by China. The country has suffered international disapproval after tainted additives from China contaminated pet food in North America.

China's pig industry also suffered an outbreak of blue ear disease, or Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, which killed around 1 million last year.

The outbreak contributed to rocketing domestic pork prices, prompting Premier Wen Jiabao to visit a pig farm where he pledged to ensure safe and affordable meat.

The Commerce Ministry with the health and agriculture ministries will step up checks to make sure no illegally slaughtered pigs or tainted pork will find their way into the market.

Vice Premier Wu Yi is leading the effort to stamp out tainted and dangerous products. Yi commented beforehand that many farmers had little idea about food safety.

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told China this week that its reputation is at risk after a series of food and product safety scandals circulated. Mandelson urged the country to do more in tackling the problem.