Beijing releases food-safety plan

Beijing has made public its first five-year plan to improve food and drug safety standards, the Financial Times reported. The document, which is part of the 11th overall five-year plan approved by the State Council last year, highlights the
international implications of incomplete inspection systems, lagging
regulation and undisciplined food producers, and provides a framework for improving and regulating the food and
pharmaceutical industries. Systems will be created under the plan to monitor food processing companies, food
exports that might transmit
disease and residues of drugs in agricultural products and
livestock shipments.