Shanghai will expand the "face label" program to more streets where restaurants, stalls and food suppliers pay strict attention to food safety.

The "face labels" are posted on food supply venues, and the different colors and expressions on the labels signal a food safety and service rating.

Currently, the city has 45 "face label" streets, and the number will reach 77 streets covering 2,883 restaurants, food stores and supermarkets, by the end of this year, officials from the Shanghai Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday. A green smiley face means the venue is very clean and offers good service, while a red worried face means the place has not reached the standards of "a model food safety unit."

A yellow face with a calm expression means the place has just reached local SFDA standards.

The administration displays the face labels prominently in shops and eateries after its inspection.

When it assesses streets, the administration says it will also use comments from customers - it needs a 90 percent customer approval rating - and assurances that the street authorities handle customer complaints quickly.

The city tested the face label scheme in Xuhui and Changning districts late last year.

"Once the scheme is running smoothly, we will use it on other key food areas like snack plazas, mobile eateries and rural restaurants," said Xu Wei, an SFDA official.

Officials Tuesday also said the city had launched comprehensive training for all restaurant managers and chefs serving athletes and officials participating in the Olympic Games in the city.

All hotels catering for overseas customers and food sellers in popular areas will be inspected before the event.

(Shanghai Daily April 23, 2008)