China's food supply authority said Thursday that an emergency plan was in place to safeguard food supply and transport links to the quake-hit northwestern Qinghai Province.

A rescue team of 14 workers sent by Qinghai provincial grain bureau with relief materials arrived at the quake zone Thursday morning, according to a statement issued by the State Administration of Grain Thursday.

The first grain shipment, including 90 tonnes of rice, 45 tonnes of flour as well as 16 tonnes of edible oil was on its way to the quake affected area, the statement said.

Cooked food supplies including 20,000 steamed buns and pancakes, five tonnes of fried highland barley flour as well as four tonnes of compressed food which were made in nearby cities, were transported to the quake zone Thursday afternoon, the statement said.

Food supplies for rescue teams of officers and soldiers from the People's Liberation Army, armed police, and the paramilitary were guaranteed, according to the statement.