Beijing releases food-safety plan

Health

7 June 2007

Beijing has made public its first five-year plan to improve food and drug safety standards, the Financial Times reported. The document, which is part of the 11th overall five-year plan approved by the State Council last year, highlights the international implications of incomplete inspection systems, lagging regulation and undisciplined food producers, and provides a framework for improving and regulating the food and pharmaceutical industries. Systems will be created under the plan to monitor food processing companies, food exports that might transmit disease and residues of drugs in agricultural products and livestock shipments.