The central government has shown great concern over food security and urged local governments and departments to give priority to the issue, according to an executive meeting of the State Council held in Beijing on July 21.

Presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, the meeting concluded that food security has a bearing on the health and life of the people, and on sound economic development and social stability.

Efforts should be made to increase the industrial level and standardization of the country's food sector, prevent pollution of farm products and step up control on food circulation, according to the meeting.

It also called for the crackdown on major criminal cases regarding food security and improving the functions of supervisory departments, grain associations and other intermediary bodies. Likely the media are urged to watch for the issue.

The meeting also passed, in principle, the Amended Draft of the Provisions on Compensation and Preference for Serviceman, which will be promulgated by the State Council and the Central Military Commission, after further revisions.

Source: Xinhua