Food safety timetable

The State Council's latest decision on food safety has evoked mixed feelings about a concern that haunts us all.

Over time, scandals involving melamine, clenbuterol, industrial gelatin, and numerous other dangerous additives in foods, have produced widespread suspicion and anxiety about the national food chain.

This would not have happened if the relevant government departments had been faithful to their duties and promises. And if those responsible for overseeing the food chain were willing to take the problems seriously and fulfill their duties, even overnight changes would be possible. Or at least, that's what many of us believed. However, things are obviously not as simple as we thought.