China bans highly toxic pesticides

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 10-30-2007 08:53

As part of its national campaign for food safety, the Ministry of Agriculture revoked the registration of eleven highly toxic pesticides.

Exports of these products were also banned to make sure they are cleared from the domestic market. A complete mechanism to improve agricultural products quality is also in the making.

Vice Minister of Agriculture Gao Hongbin said, "China has always had stringent measures on the control of highly toxic pesticides. Five of the enterprises we shut down were sole exporters. But if they keep producing, it is possible the pesticides might find their way into domestic markets. The sale is only 20 million US dollars a year. The tradeoff is worth it."

A system to supervise and manage pesticide use will monitor the situation.

In terms of animal products, 99 percent of the samples tested have met the clenbuterol pollution standards. And ninety nine percent of aquatic products tested are below the maximum standard in terms of drug residue.

Vice Minister of Agriculture Gao Hongbin said, "These results are encouraging. But to have long-lasting effects, we must intensify supervision and management of the food market. We must also raise awareness and the sense of responsibility among the farmers. Equally importantly, we must set up a system to institutionalize our efforts."

The country continues in its efforts: to keep substandard food away from the dinner table, and to achieve complete food safety.

Editor:Zhang Ning