The Chinese government will deal with any confirmed food safety cases in a responsible manner and in accordance with laws, a parliament spokesman said in Beijing on Tuesday.

"There are indeed very few companies in China which neglect our country's laws, regulations and standards, dodge quarantine and tests, and have their unqualified products smuggled into foreign markets via illegal channels," said Jiang Enzhu, spokesman for the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), at a press conference.

The Chinese government will intensify its efforts to crack down on such illegal activities and prevent any under-quality food from being exported, he pledged.

However, the spokesman said, some of the past food safety disputes were actually caused by differences in the quality and standard systems between China and other countries and regions, adding that some irresponsible and false media reports also added to the woes.

"Enhancing food safety is a common responsibility that should be shared by the international community. China is willing to join hands with other countries to ensure consumer rights by establishing an emergency coordination system and enhancing information transparency," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency, March 4, 2008)