How Safe is China's Food Supply?

It's been six months since the scare over melamine milk shocked China, and Chinese leaders have announced a new set of food safety laws.  While proponents of the laws are hopeful that the regulations will restore confidence in the system, many remain skeptical.  

Few would make the case that China doesn't need improved safety standards, but the question remains: will they work?

The new law, which was approved February 28, is designed to oversee the established a national food-safety commission that will monitor the work of food safety among existing government agencies.  These standards include everything from improving restaurant sanitation to monitoring the quality of farm produce.   

Government leaders seem optimistic about the new regulations, and 158 of the 165 members of The National People's Congress Standing Committee voted in favor of them, indicating strong support.

On the other hand, critics maintain that the laws don't go far enough, and that more actions are crucial to improving food safety.  Before the melamine milk scandal caused the deaths of six babies and injured about 300,000, it was illegal to use melamine as a food additive. 

How many other food safety laws are being ignored, either due to ignorance or a desire to make more money?  Is it even possible to improve food safety completely?      

The new law takes effect June 1st, and while it's definitely an admirable first step, many others will be necessary.