He advised that a tracking system, which would record and monitor the whole food production process, should be established.

Zhang Gaoli, a vice premier and head of a ministerial food safety committee under the State Council, called for strict supervision of food manufacturers and distributors.

Wang Yang, another vice premier, concurred with his colleague and stressed the importance of risk management. He also reminded local governments that they must assume responsibility for food quality.

The State Administration for Industry and Commerce has started to draw up a black list of firms, as a stepping stone toward a system to monitor corporate conduct.

An administration official said last June that better records detailing the food companies' conduct would be kept, and they would be made available to the public to ensure an environment of honesty.

During Food Safety Week, which started on Monday, President Xi Jinping visited the province of Guizhou in Southwest China, and he took the opportunity to call at shops and food stalls. While at a small supermarket, between the provincial capital of Guiyang and Zunyi city, he inspected snacks on sale and was happy to find that they were all well within their expiration dates.