China's market watchdog is to crack down on the production and distribution of fake and shoddy products in the vast rural areas as the Chinese Lunar New Year draws near.

The State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (SAQSIQ) has launched a month-long quality check from February 10 and target rural markets. 

Ten items which include liquor, food, household goods, fireworks and garments are on the list of items to be checked. Goods carrying counterfeit or false labeling will be severely punished, the administration announced.

Chinese people, particularly rural residents, have a tradition of gathering a lot of articles in daily use for the traditional festival which falls on February 18 this year.

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2007)