Licenses of dairy item makers up for review

The city is stepping up measures to stamp out unqualified makers of dairy products, authorities said yesterday.

A total of 11 dairy companies, including four infant formula producers in the city, have established a credit system, the Shanghai Economy and Informatization Commission said.

The State Council will issue a circular in July to review the production license of dairy product makers and eliminate about 25 to 30 percent of baby formula producers in the market, the Shanghai Dairy Association said.

Shanghai police said yesterday that they had arrested 119 suspects from January till May for more than 60 food safety related crimes.

The police said they would keep eyes on illegal underground trade, vendors and retailers over safety issues.

Meat, dairy products and powdered formula will be the main focus.

Police also busted 68 dens which were alleged to be producing and selling foods that were deemed safety hazards or fake products, involving more than 130 billion yuan (US$21.2).