Nianyefan is the Chinese term for the dinner on the eve of Spring Festival, which falls on February 1 this year. It is regarded as the most important reunion meal for Chinese families and is traditionally cooked at home. In recent years, an increasing number of families prefer to celebrate in restaurants.

In Shanghai, about one-third of local residents - over 5 million - are expected to take nianyefan in restaurants or hotels this year, sources from Shanghai Municipal Commercial Commission said.

And more will consume meals during the following Spring Festival holiday in restaurants.

"The premier factor is to choose a clean restaurant and eat safe foods. The last thing one would want at such a happy time is food poisoning," said Gong Qi, a local resident.

"It's highly important to provide citizens with safe food during this period, and we will carry out checks on restaurants and other public places," said Gu Zhenhua, an official at the city's Sanitation Inspection Institute.

From this week, the institute will run a citywide campaign to inspect food sanitation and safety in the city.

Gong should feel at ease with a new policy set by the institute that places restaurants under strict supervision.

Local restaurants are required to report to sanitation inspection offices if their customers order five tables or more of meals during Spring Festival. The policy will help prevent public food poisoning accidents.

As for residents cooking nianyefan at home, food quality is assured because the campaign will cover food manufacturers, wholesale markets and supermarkets as well as restaurants.

(China Daily January 6, 2003)