BEIJING - Pollution at the point where food is produced is a major cause of food safety problems in China, according to a report released on Wednesday after a nationwide food safety check by China's top legislature.

"The abuse and illegal use of farm chemicals, veterinary drugs, hormones and feed additives by some food businesses has caused contamination in the raw materials of food and the weak oversight of the source of our food is also to blame," said Lu Yongxiang, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the top legislature.

The report said many food safety incidents that cropped up across the country were caused by problems in the initial stages of its manufacture, including primary processing and production.