1st Ld-Writethru: China vows "zero tolerance" of food safety crime

China is stepping up efforts to guarantee food quality with zero tolerance of food safety crime, according to a national teleconference on food safety on Thursday.

Food safety has a direct bearing on the health and safety of all people, and is a basic requirement of a moderately prosperous society, said Premier Li Keqiang in a written instruction.

He called for full implementation of the revamped Food Safety Law and pledged "zero tolerance" for food safety crime.

A food trace system monitoring the whole process of food production, logistics and sales should be established, Li said.

Zhang Gaoli, a vice premier and head of a ministerial food safety committee under the State Council, also called for strict supervision of food manufacturers and distributors in his instruction to the conference.

The conference was presided over by Wang Yang, another vice premier, who stressed the importance of a sound risk management system in protecting food safety.

Food safety control should be based on the principle of prevention first and timely information disclosure, Wang said.

He urged local governments to assume responsibility for food quality and encouraged the whole of society to supervise and guarantee food safety.

Wang highlighted the fundamental role of law in protecting consumers' safety and interests, calling for publicity for the revised law to enhance legal awareness among food producers.

China's top legislature on April 24 adopted an amendment to the Food Safety Law that gives the heaviest penalties yet to offenders. It will go into effect on Oct. 1. Endi