China has defended its food safety standards and guaranteed the quality of its exports, amid international concern over goods produced in the country, the South China Morning Post reported.

"China has taken all measures to ensure its products are in line with international practices and safety standards and the quality of food imported from China is guaranteed," Ministry of Commerce spokesman Wang Xinpei said.

China has "paid great attention" to the issue, especially with regard to food products, because of health concerns, Wang added.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said it shut down 180 food manufacturers in a national crackdown from December last year to May in which more than 23,000 tainted or sub-standard foods were found.

The nationwide investigation by China's food quality regulator found contaminated baby milk powder, rice, flour, meat, biscuits, seafood, soy sauce and sweets.