China Calls for Tougher Action on Tainted Food

China’s Cabinet says local authorities must step up their battle against illegal food additives after several recent tainted food scandals.

So far this year, authorities have uncovered sales of drug-tainted pork, bean sprouts treated with a carcinogenic chemical compound, and old bread treated with sweeteners and food dye to make it seem fresh.

The announcement by the State Council on Thursday said food inspections should be stepped up and violators must be severely punished. It did not say whether there would be any new, stricter penalties.