China is calling for efforts to prevent the inflow of expired food and epidemic disease in the earthquake-affected areas, through stepping up supervision of donated food and checks on water sources.

The General Office of the State Council issued a circular on the issue of medical work and epidemic control in the quake areas Wednesday, urging local authorities concerned to be responsible for food security and sanitary conditions in areas densely-populated by the affected people.

Governments in charge of health, environmental protection, construction, water conservancy and agriculture are asked to work together for ensuring a safe water supply and catering services in the affected areas, according to the circular.

Water purification facilities should be installed in the relocation places for these affected people, while special attention should be given to public places such as schools and hospitals, it says.

(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2008)