Inspectors posted to dairy factories for 24-hour supervision

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-05 22:00

BEIJING - China's quality supervision authority has dispatched more than 5,000 inspectors to carry out round-the-clock scrutiny at dairy factories in an effort to restore consumer confidence in the wake of the scandal over the melamine contamination of milk.

Wang Yong, director of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ), told Xinhua that the government would strive to ensure all dairy products manufactured after September 14 were melamine-free and safe.

"Food safety concerns not only the health of the public, but also the life of business," Wang said.

Wang, who took up the post last month after predecessor Li Changjiang was sacked, vowed to "make a substantial change in the production and distribution of dairy products".

Calling the site inspections an "unusual measure", he said 1,644 teams had covered all dairy producers across the country and would be present through the whole production process.

Inspectors would ensure all raw materials were stored properly, with the producers clearly marked and quality certified.

Chemicals including melamine and cyanuric acid, non-food raw materials, recycled foodstuffs and deteriorated raw materials would be weeded out, while food addictives must be registered with local quality supervision departments.

In-house quality control personnel must sample test every batch of goods under scrutiny by GAQSIQ inspectors, who could advise management to transfer or sack incapable quality control personnel, he said.

Inspectors would also see that factory laboratories and equipment met standards. Products for shipping or delivery must have complete production records and the endorsement of GAQSIQ inspectors.

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