Vice-Premier Wang Yang calls for joint efforts of public and civil groups to help supervise food safety, particularly through modern technology.

"Given major challenges facing the nation's food safety, like the colossal number of small businesses and a decentralized food production and processing model, a supervisory net highlighting the general public is essential to help ensure food safety," he said at the fifth China food safety forum as national food safety week kicked off on Monday.

He urged related government organizations to carry out innovative supervision methods that cover the entire process from the production of ingredients to the final products leaving the factory.

Non-government industry associations of food producers should also play a role in enhancing food safety and quality, he said.

In addition, Wang urged improved legislation on food safety so as to provide the legal foundation for all parties involved in the issue.

Wang cited practices in Guangdong province as an example.

"I regularly get text messages sent by the Guangdong food safety authority asking mobile subscribers, including me, to report any related irregularities or even crimes," he said.

New-technology tools like text messaging should be widely used to facilitate public involvement in food safety supervision, he said.

The forum was held by government agencies including the food safety committee under the State Council, the Ministry of Public Security, China Food and Drug Administration and the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

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