Higher penalty, safer food

Although penalties for illegal practices in food production and distribution have been increased in the new Food Safety Law, the provisions are still too lenient to be an effective deterrent to law-breakers, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. Excerpts:

According to the new Food Safety Law effective from June 1, consumers affected by unsafe, substandard and adulterated food products can claim compensation up to 10 times the price of the product. The authorities believe that the increased compensation levels will raise the cost of illegal practices, which will effectively prevent such malpractices in the food industry and business.

A highlight of the new Food Safety Law is that the maximum fine has been increased from 50,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan, and from five times of the income on an unsafe product to 10 times the price of the product. However, as the upper limit of fines, 100,000 yuan cannot be an effective deterrent to violators.