China's invisible burden of foodborne illness

摘要

Chinese officials have made assertive statements about food safety in recent weeks in an attempt to mollify public concern over an issue of perennial apprehension. At a national conference on food safety and health i nspection i n earlyJanuary, Health MinisterChen Zhu saidthat ensuring food safety would be a national priority between 2011-15, and the ministry promised to unveil clearer guidelines for investigating violations. 4 weeks later, Vice Premier Li Keqiang told reporters, "China faces a grave situation in ensuring food safety", and went on to announce stronger punishments for endangering food safety.