A survey conducted by the Ministry of Commerce found 74.4 percent of Chinese rural consumers have started to pay attention to food safety issue thanks to efforts aimed at promoting 'green' eating habits.

Rural consumers' reasons for choosing particular foods has shifted from 'price priority' to 'quality and price priority' the ministry said on its website on Monday.

In order to ensure food safety in rural areas the ministry worked out policies to strengthen management over retail and wholesale of farm produce and agricultural by-products. Meanwhile food quality inspections and the crack down on the production and sale of low quality food has intensified to protect the rights of farmers.

In addition the ministry opened a 'green channel' to facilitate the circulation of rural goods which not only lowered the transportation costs and increased the transportation of fresh and live farm produce but also made it possible for farmers to consume safe food from other areas.

So far, China has opened more than 20 railway and highway 'green channels' with combined have a total mileage of 67,000 km.

The ministry launched a green consumption campaign in the country six years ago in cooperation with 12 other departments in an effort to increase public awareness on food safety issues.

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2006)