Draft on food, drug punishments seeks opinions

The China Food and Drug Administration (CSDA) on Sunday began to solicit public opinions on a draft regulation on food and drug-related offences. According to the draft, food and drug administrations at or above the county level are responsible for managing cases of administrative punishments in general while those at the provincial level should handle administrative punishments in major and complicated cases. The draft stipulates that administrations should deal with cases and evidence obtained from various channels in a timely manner. For tip-offs that include specific violators and clear facts, cases should be established for investigations less than seven days after such information is received. In addition, the draft urges food and drug administrations to first inform violators of evidence on violations, the basis for punishment and their rights to appeal before imposing administrative punishments. The draft will be open to public opinion until Oct. 22.