China has become increasingly aware of food safety issues, as indicated by the stricter penalty meted out for offenders in food-related crimes, a member of the country's top political advisory body said Wednesday.

Zhao Qizheng, spokesman for the Fourth Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a press conference.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, passed an amendment to the Criminal Law on Feb. 25 at its bi-monthly session.

While reducing the number of crimes punishable by death by 13 to 55, the newly revised Criminal Law imposes harsher punishments on offenders in food safety crimes.

The law, for the first time, stipulates that criminals may face capital punishment if they commit food crimes which have resulted in people's death or led to severe consequences.

To ensure food safety, Zhao called on health and quality supervision authorities to strengthen monitoring work and urged the media to supervise the market and dealers.