Producers face tough new license regs

China will impose a strict mainland-wide licensing system for the production of staple foods and common appliances in an effort to shore up consumer confidence after a raft of reports on defective substandard products, state media reported, citing a regulation by the State Council. The new licensing system will take effect in early September and cover products such as heating-blankets, pressure cookers, gas heaters and dangerous chemicals. Producers will not be able to sell rice, flour, dairy and meat products, alcohol or edible oil without a license. Widely reported scandals in China concerning the sale of fake milk powder, rotting meat and poisonous homemade alcohol have caused death and injury. Violators will face stiff fines.