The State Council issued the Decision of The State Council to Further Strengthen Food Safety ("Decision") on September 2, 2004, requiring the People's Governments of all the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, the State Council's ministries and commissions, and the organizations directly under the State Council to take effective measures to enhance food safety. The Decision instructs the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) jointly with other related organizations to be responsible for the work and report the results of a comprehensive inspection of food safety to the State Council before the 2005 Spring Festival.

The Decision points out the following work to be done. Firstly, the food production and processing industry should be rectified to improve industrial levels. Secondly, agricultural inputs should be further rectified to prevent agricultural product contamination at the very beginning. Thirdly, weak links should be strengthened to better supervise food circulation and consumption. Fourthly, the rectification of the food market for children and rural areas should be made a priority to ensure the interests of minors, farmers and low-income earners. Fifthly, major cases should be investigated in accordance with laws to deter criminals. Sixthly, food safety publicity should be strengthened to serve the development of the food industry.

It also points out other areas that need strengthening. Firstly, the responsibility relations between regulatory authorities should be made streamlined. Secondly, the responsibility of local governments for food safety supervision should be enhanced. Thirdly, local law enforcement personnel should be boosted. Fourthly, food safety laws and regulations should be improved. Fifthly, food safety standards and test systems should be established and improved. Sixthly, the credit system for food safety and information system construction should be expedited.