China's "long, steep road" to safer food

China is on the right track. Progressive and immediate actions are helping to reduce foodborne diseases and the food-related incidents. But it is not enough. There are still many challenges to address.

To overcome these, first, WHO recommends further clarification of the roles and responsibilities of all agenciesinvolved in food control under the Food Safety Law. The 2009 Food Safety Law is currently undergoing review, and amendments are expected to be adopted this year. Clarification about the roles and responsibilities at different levels of government is needed, as well as how different agencies cooperate, including with the work of the State Council Food Safety Commission.

Second, WHO wants to see better implementation of the Food Safety Law.Putting in place the regulation is the first step. Backing that up with people who are properly trained to conduct its implementation is crucial. China needs better coordination, more human resources and facilities at the local and county level, along with propertraining of staff for supervision and inspections.

Third, transparent communication is needed to ensure public trust in the food industry and its regulators. Effective communication is needed to reinforce consumer confidence. Public anxiety is heightened by the lack of information. The goal of communication is to help consumers and the public in understanding the rationale behind a risk-based decision. Systematic collection and publication of data are essential to inform the scientists, regulators and the general public about the situation and trends.

China has shown its ability to tackle seemingly-insurmountable problems in the past. Now the scale of the problem is as large as the plate of food in front of you. We must continue to strengthen both regulation, and implementation, of rigorous, world-class food safety standards, so that every person in China can have confidence that the food on their plate is safe to eat.

The author is the WHO representative in China.