Xi calls for 'strictest' food safety measures

He pledged resolute efforts to implement the requirements by the president and the premier, and to establish a food safety management system and improve supervision.

In addition, Zhang demanded more attention be given to excessive residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs, as well as to heavy metal pollution in soil and additives in foods.

Food enterprises must be held accountable, he added, saying to this end a better system is needed to track safety risks and problems with key food products.

Moreover, government agencies are told to improve and increase inspections to identify risks and foul play.

China's food safety standards should suit both the country's realistic situation and international criteria, which require heavy-handed measures to deter violations, Zhang said.

Calling food safety work a "sacred political duty" for the CPC and the government, the vice premier called for better supervision to ensure this work is properly done, so those guilty of dereliction of duty are held accountable.

He also underlined food safety particularly during the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year holiday.

Vice Premier Wang Yang also attended Thursday's meeting.