Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, presides over a plenary session of the inspection group for the enforcement of the food safety law in Beijing, capital of China, April 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
Top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang has urged government organs and the food industry to fully enforce and obey the country's food safety law prior to a law enforcement inspection.
Zhang made the remarks Tuesday while presiding over a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on the upcoming enforcement inspection for the food safety law.
Noting that China's food safety situation is still "grave," Zhang stressed the role of both Party and government organs in coordinating efforts in law enforcement and supervision so as to effectively eliminate anomalies in the food industry.
A major revision to the food safety law was adopted in April 2015 that saw articles increased from 105 to 154, imposing heavier civil, administrative and criminal penalties for offenders and their supervisors. It came into effect on Oct. 1.
According to Zhang, law enforcement inspection is a crucial form of NPC's supervision that helps ensure full functioning of a law.
This inspection will see five groups sent to ten provincial-level regions, while 21 provincial-level people's congresses will carry out inspections within their own jurisdictions.
