New laws promises tougher punishment

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-01-2009 10:17

In other news, China's new food safety law promises tougher regulations and severe punishment for manufacturers and suppliers of below standard products. Consumers will be able to demand compensation of up to ten times the product's cost for foods which cause physical harm. The move has been welcomed by the public.

In other news, China's new food safety law promises tougher regulations and severe punishment for manufa- cturers and suppliers of below standard products.

A highlight of the new food safety law is the regulation of compensation procedures. Offenders will have to pay compensation before they pay administrative fines.

Experts say this is an improvement on current laws, which place more emphasis on administrative punishment.

But some consumers are worried that the money they receive will be far less than the cost of filing a claim for compensation, as the procedures can be complex.

Consumer, said, "It would be troublesome for us to rush around struggling for just 30-yuan compensation, for example, if there's something wrong with a packet of 3-yuan instant noodles. "

In light of this situation, experts suggest collective law suits could be filed by groups to avoid huge costs for individuals.

Editor:Yang Jie