Premier Jiang Yi-huah says the government will launch a nationwide crackdown on tainted food. Jiang was speaking at the legislature on Tuesday.
A new food safety office will begin operations Wednesday. The office is aimed at coordinating government agencies and resources to tackle the latest tainted edible oil scandal. It will have a staff between 20 and 25.
Jiang also said the national police agency will be in charge of the crackdown to ensure food safety.
“The National Police Agency will mobilize all local criminal police offices to launch a nationwide crackdown on tainted food," said Jiang.
"They will work to uncover unscrupulous food factories. Like the fight against underground gangs, we hope this crackdown can target all unscrupulous food businesses."
Jiang said the national police agency has about 100 policemen who are responsible for food safety and environmental protection. Food safety will be a top priority for the national police in the future.