China's quality watchdog called for mutual trust and deeper cooperation between nations concerning the food safety issue at an international meeting held Wednesday in Beijing.

Speaking at the annual China International Food Safety & Quality Meeting, Wang Yong, director of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ), said food safety is a difficult issue faced by all nations and that the food safety situation is severe around the world.

He said food safety is not just limited to one region, or one country, adding that understanding, policies, and management by each country over food safety vary.

This requires nations to stick to a principle of mutual trust, seek common understanding, and improve food safety work and quality control, he said.

The meeting is serving as a platform for countries to exchange views and share successful experiences in food safety management in a bid to promote technological development and cooperation in the field.

(Xinhua News Agency November 4, 2009)