China arranges drug plant visit to boost confidence

China's State Council Information Office has invited foreign media representatives to "inspect" a local drug production facility as part of what the government news agency Xinhua termed "the third such publicity exercise this year aimed at restoring confidence in its drug industry." The visit by five journalists was to Chiatai Qingchunbao Pharmaceutical, described as the third largest drugmaker in the country, according to Xinhua.

The State Council also reported that, since a crackdown on substandard food and drugs began earlier this year (Marketletters passim), 626 criminal law suits have been filed, involving 774 suspects.