January 30, 2007

Shanghai pork wholesalers to seek compensation for substandard quality

Shanghai authorities have been urging local pork wholesalers to reach more specific compensation agreements with live pig suppliers as part of efforts to improve food safety.

The pork market is the first to test a food quality programme proposed by local authorities, Wang Longxing, director of the Shanghai Food and Drug Administration, said during the annual session of the city's People's Congress.

He added local companies could require live pig suppliers from other provinces to pass a quality examination before sending their products to the city.

In case, pork was found to be of substandard quality, local wholesalers would be compensated from the suppliers, he explained.