China acts on food safety after pet food saga

BEIJING, May 9 (Reuters) - China will launch a nationwide cleanup of its food industry after two Chinese companies were found to have illegally exported contaminated wheat gluten and rice protein for pet food blamed for a spate of animal deaths in the U.S.

The application of fertilizer and pesticides in vegetable planting as well as animal medicine and additives usde in livestock feed are priority areas for inspection, according to a notice from the State Council, China's cabinet.

The notice was dated April 27 but posted on the central government's Web site (www.gov.cn) on Wednesday.

Tests would be conducted on food including cooking oil, flour and beverages as well as baby food. Unqualified producers will have their licences revoked.