1、Many who watched A Bite of China say the documentary is more than just a food show.But while A Bite of China has highlighted what people can eat, other TV news programs and other media sources here in China have been highlighting what NOT to eat here in China.Food safety has been a continual media d
2、rum beat here in China through 2012.Earlier in December, reports emerged of farms in China using prohibited drugs and additives to feed chicken to speed up the growth process.In November, a major alcohol producer called Jiugui Liquor had to suspend its packaging lines following reports its products
3、were found to contain excessive levels of plasticizer.Currently there are no national standard for the amount of plasticizer allowed in beverages.And while the debate about the safety of liquor here in China drags on, one thing everyone can agree on is that out-of-date food is something that cannot
4、be eaten or sold.However, this didnt stop a McDonalds outlet in Beijing from selling out-of-date food and picking up beef dropped on floor for reuse in its meals.In March, an undercover reporter recorded this conversation with an employee inside a McDonalds restaurant in the Sanlitun district of dow
5、ntown Beijing.- What, if any problems will there be if the beef gets dirty?- What problems there will be? Nothing. All the bacteria dies after being fried.Expired and dirty food, potentially poisonous liquor, dangerous chicken meat, toxic medicine capsules, gutter oil Chinas TV screen have been domi
6、nated by news about various food safety scandals in 2012.To that end, the government has been moving to try to fight food safety problems.In June, the Chinese government released a five-year plan to upgrade its food safety regulations.Shen Kui is the deputy director of Peking Universitys School of L
7、aw.Public management refers to food manufacturers, food retailers and consumers, as well as industry associations. In addition, non-profit organizations are key, as they are well suited to discovering food safety problems and revealing them. But of course, the government has to play a leading role i
8、n dealing with food safety concerns.Food Safety experts have been recommending the government enhance food safety supervision by setting up a mechanism that covers the entire food chain.Experts are also recommending a rigid food recall and destruction system for defective products, on top of severe
9、penalties for those who violate food safety laws.Qiu Baochang is a lawyer with the China Consumers Association.Based on Chinas criminal code, people who add toxic or harmful substances into food can be given death penalty. However, it doesnt mean all food safety threats constitute crimes. Circumstan
10、ces vary. But when it does constitute a crime, severe penalties should be handed down. But its more than simply having laws. Other measures are also needed, including raising public awareness about food safety.Chinas Health ministry has published 88 new standards for food safety through 2012.The government is also promising not to back-down in its fight for food safety in 2013.For CRI, I am Zhang Wan.
