China vows to abide by label rules

China will introduce food labeling that meets international standards from May 1, better informing consumers and banning producers from making false claims, a new health ministry order said.

Producers will be barred from boasting that their products are low in fat or high in calcium, and they cannot claim to have specific health benefits, the order, seen yesterday on the ministry's Web site, said.

Instead, they must clearly state the content of four key groups: fat, protein, salt and carbohydrate, while specifying in detail the portion of other ingredients they mention on the label.

"The standards emphasize that the food labels must be accurate and objective and without false claims or exaggerations about the benefits of the product," the order said. "Nor can producers state or even suggest that they can cure illnesses."

Food security is a key issue in China ahead of the August Olympics after a spate of scares in recent years involving food and product safety.

Olympic officials have begun implementing rigorous plans to ensure Olympic athletes and visitors avoid food poisoning.

Round-the-clock guards will be on duty in Olympic kitchens, food storage areas will be under video surveillance and food transport vehicles will be fitted with global positioning systems. White mice will also be used to test food destined to be consumed by athletes.