Wal-Mart, the world’s biggest retailer, is ready to put more money toward ensuring food safety in China.
The superstore will increase its spending 300 million yuan ($48.32 million) over 2013, 2014 and 2015 to ensure it is meeting food standards in the Asian nation. That’s three-times the previously planned 100 million yuan over the same period, Reuters reported.
Wal-Mart (WMT) also plans to do more DNA testing on meat products and supplier inspections, as well as test more of its Chinese stores using two mobile safety labs.
China’s food and grocery market is expected to expand to $1.5 trillion by 2016, and Wal-Mart’s food safety reputation has become a concern in this important market after two recent incidents.
Earlier this year, the retailer’s “Five Spice” donkey meat was found to have fox meat, and in 2011, it was fined for selling expired duck meat.
A Wal-Mart spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.