Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged implementation of the "strictest" measures to ensure food safety for the public.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in an instruction published on January 28.

Noting that the work to ensure food safety impacts both the people's livelihoods and public confidence in government, Xi called on all Party and governmental authorities to perform their due duty and practice with a people-centered concept in this regard.

The food safety situation in China remains grave, Xi said, calling for more unified and authoritative supervision system and regulations.

He urged the strongest measures, the most rigorous standards, the most strict supervision, the most severe punishment for violators and the most serious accountability system, for food safety.

In a separate instruction, Premier Li Keqiang pledged "zero tolerance" to food safety violations with timely and harsh punishment.

He urged governmental agencies to continue their efforts tackling the big issues for food safety and to pursue the interests of the people as their top priority.

Li also stressed reform measures and adherence to the rule of law in this regard.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2016)