We had no solid evidence when we said that the pork supplies from the Shuanghui subsidiary containing the banned substances ractopamine and clenbuterol were probably just the tip of an iceberg.

Nor when we made repeated predictions that melamine would continue to surface in milk powder despite all the promises, assurances and crackdowns.

Now we have all the evidence we need. Earlier this week, in Chongqing, more than 26 tons of milk powder containing melamine were confiscated.

While in Hunan province, police uncovered the production and transaction of ractopamine and clenbuterol as fodder additives, which involved more than a dozen provinces.

It is possible to take an optimistic view and say that the authorities succeeded in uncovering these food crimes. Yet, at the same time, such achievements prompt even more suspicions about food safety. One can easily, as some readily and regularly do, portray these as "isolated cases" that don't represent the "bigger picture", and assign blame to specific perpetrators.

The latest initiative for the authorities of the industry and commerce administration to assess the conduct of all players in the food industry and practice differentiated oversight accordingly is a step in the right direction. Preserving a complete record of a business' conduct and subjecting those found with stains on their character to special scrutiny sounds like a good way to enhance corporate consciousness, which we believe will be conducive to self-discipline in the industry.

Publishing and maintaining a "blacklist" of wrongdoers, as has been proposed, will not only satisfy consumers' right to know, but will make true the market's potential in eliminating dishonest players. With due information, consumer choices can effectively eliminate wrongdoers from the marketplace. But for that to happen, more needs to be done to share information.

We also agree with Vice-Premier Li Keqiang, who heads the State Council Committee for Food Safety, that it is necessary to substantially raise the price of violations. Heavy fines and severe criminal penalties are also essential.

The authorities' latest move to revise the national list of food additives is a welcome step. But their previous inability to detect dozens of chemicals on their list of prohibited additives does not inspire confidence and leaves a gaping hole that illicit businesses can take advantage of.

The authorities have an obligation to develop the capability to detect in a timely manner, if not pre-empt, potential new public health hazards.

So the real task is to ensure that government functionaries are independent and effective in checking the food chain and that those caught wrongdoing are also brought to account.

Officials must be convinced that local development will no longer be tolerated as an excuse for shielding illegal activities. And the potential consequences of extending an umbrella of protection must suffice to make them think twice.

(China Daily 04/29/2011 page8)