Regulator calls for stepped up supervision of milk

China Food and Drug Administration, the nation's top food quality regulator, urged food safety authorities across China on Friday to intensify their supervision of baby formula manufacturing to ensure the safety of the product.

The announcement came after several companies were found to have imported milk contaminated by Clostridium botulinum, one of the strongest toxins that can destroy the human neuron system, which was produced by Fonterra, the world's largest dairy exporter.

Food safety supervision authorities at all levels should set up special teams to lead supervision of baby formula, according to the announcement.

They should intensify inspection of baby formula manufacturers and urge them to eliminate potential quality risks, according to the announcement.

Food safety authorities should also urge manufacturers to make certain managers specially responsible for food safety, the announcement said.