China intensifies crackdown on illegal use of non-edible materials in food

BEIJING, Apr 23 (Xinhua): The Chinese government has ordered an intensified crackdown on the illegal use of non-edible materials in food, according to a circular issued by the General Office of China's State Council, or the cabinet. Posted Thursday on the official website of China's central government, the circular stressed that non-edible materials-apart from certified food additives-are banned from use in food. The circular added that illicit drugs or any other materials that jeopardize human health are banned in the growing, cultivation, processing, and transportation of agricultural products. Greater inspection efforts should be made in preventing the illegal adding of non-edible materials in food in those key aspects, especially during the purchasing of raw milk, transportation and slaughtering of livestock, the circular said. Any enterprise or individual who violates the regulations will face harsh punishments, according to the circular. Enterprises that intentionally add non-edible materials to food products will face revocation of licenses, confiscation of all illicit earnings, and they will be made to pay compensation for damages caused. Owners of underground factories that produce non-edible materials for illegal use, key personnel involved in the distribution of such materials, and senior executives of food companies who oversee the intentional adding of these materials, will be dealt with severely according to law.