A number of suspects have been arrested for producing counterfeit and substandard wine in China, the country's food safety authorities said Friday, as the Spring Festival approaches and liquor sales boom.

The business licenses of six wineries have been revoked and nearly 75 tonnes of counterfeit and substandard wine have been uncovered since a nationwide crackdown began last month, the State Council's food safety commission said.

The crackdown came after it was reported some wineries in Changli County in north China's Hebei Province had made adulterated products.

Authorities have checked 895 wineries across the country and the crackdown is ongoing.

Authorities in Hebei Province shut down nearly 30 wineries last month.

China Central Television Station (CCTV) footage showed a sales manager in admitting some of the county's wine was only 20 percent pure, with the rest being water and chemicals, such as color additives and citric acid.

Changli County has nearly 100 wineries. It is known as a wine distribution center.

The State Council, China's cabinet, set up the food safety commission in February last year, showing the government's determination to address the country's food safety issues.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments