China launches national drug, food complaints center

- China's food and drug safety watchdog Monday opened a national center to receive complaints on pharmaceuticals, health food products, cosmetics and catering. A subsidiary of the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), the center handles reports of wrong-doings during research, development, production, distribution and utilization in the mentioned areas. The center's website www.12331.org.cn has started to receive complaints through it, while a special hotline -- 12331 -- will also be launched across the country in phases, according to SFDA. In addition to receiving reports, the center is also responsible for coordinating efforts to inspect the concerned enterprises and individuals, forming analysis reports and publicizing investigation reports, SFDA said. China has seen recurring drug and food safety scandals in recent years and the government over the months has introduced a series of measures to boost food and drug safety.