 |
| 1. |
 |
| 2. |
 |
| 3. |
| Although sanitation at dapaidang (open food stands) cannot be guaranteed (1), there is no lack of patrons, particularly in the summer nights (3). As a rule of thumb, it is safer to shop at the supermarket (2) and prepare your own meals. |
THE city government has promised to regulate the production and distribution of agricultural products within two years of releasing a Temporary Regulation of the Safety Supervision over Edible Agricultural Products.
The implementation of the regulation, due in September, is believed to be the biggest reform measure ever taken in the field.
The system of safety administration will be set up in two to three years.
The focus will be on five categories of agricultural products: vegetables, fruit, milk, domestic animals and fowl, and aquatic products.
"I can see two big changes," said Liu Hong, a director from a municipal food department.
First, according to Liu, will be control of the quality of products, as during the production process. Currently, examinations are made only at the retail level, and this is too late, according to Liu.
"Food safety is complicated and is key in this field," said Brian Jones, general manager with the Denmark-based Danisco (China) Co, which specializes in producing ingredients. "It is not only in production, but also in the whole supply chain. To me the distribution of food is important."
The new regulations provide for supervision throughout the production process from field to table.
Second, a quality standard for edible agricultural products will be set by the regulation.
"United standards can guarantee quality just like McDonald's, whose products are of the same quality around the world," Liu said.
Although there are problems to be addressed, the situation is better than several years ago, according to experts. The use of forbidden chemicals and production of low-quality milk have been controlled.
In 1995, 23 samples of food poisoned by agricultural chemicals, which led to about 4,500 cases of illness, were found in the city. In 2000, only 15 people suffered from poisoned food.
This year, the city has launched a large-scale examination of produce in the field.
In July alone, the Health Supervision Division launched 14 investigations into food and drinks and production and processing plants.
In September, the city's first batch of high-quality agricultural products deemed safe and hygienic will hit the market after thorough examination by the commission. They will be available in some large supermarkets, according to an official with the commission.
