Food and drug officials set up online watchdog

The Beijing Food and Drug Administration (BFDA) has formally set up an online inspection team to monitor the unlawful sale of food and drugs on the Internet, according to BFDA deputy head Zhang Fengping at Beijing's ongoing two sessions, the Beijing Daily reported.

Zhang said the team of seven, along with several assistants, are looking for manufacturers who do not have legal qualifications for selling food, drugs, and medical appliances. They are also cracking down on vendors who use false advertising. He said it's difficult to trace illegal activity online because vendors can easily hide their identities.

The BFDA is also exploring the possibility of cross-regional inspections on food and drugs. Approximately 80 percent of drugs in Beijing are sourced from outside the city.