Probe reveals toxins in edible nests

BEIJING - A national campaign has begun to ensure the safety of edible bird's nests after a spot check found a carcinogenic industrial chemical in samples of the food.

China's market watchdogs are being required to carry out inspections of cubilose, the edible component in bird's nests, and to order distributors to stop selling those products if they do not meet safety standards. Substandard products will be banned from shelves and destroyed, said a notice on the State Administration for Industry and Commerce's website.

The notice, which was posted on Tuesday, also called for an investigation into instances in which fake cubilose is known to have been sold.