BEIJING — Vice-Premier Han Zheng on Feb 17 called for the application of new technologies including big data to ensure food safety.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the food safety commission of the State Council, made the remarks while presiding over a meeting of the commission.

A unified national food-safety information platform should be established, and the application of big data should be strengthened, he said.

Han stressed strengthening regulation on pesticides and veterinary drugs and purifying the environment of food-producing areas to prevent contaminated food from entering the market.

Food safety standards should be upgraded, and international experience should be learned, Han said.

All related departments and local authorities should enhance coordination and ensure the implementation of all tasks, the vice-premier said.