Cooperatives can ensure safe food

There is no doubt that China has a problem with food safety and that it is in the interest of everyone other than the few causing it to see an end to the threat. So why has the problem persisted? The answer, unfortunately, is: Because the risk of those responsible for food safety scandals getting caught is low and the possible profits are high. As long as this situation continues, basic economic theory dictates that the problem will continue.

The solution is obvious, though. Producers and consumers should be directly connected in a manner that will make the production process transparent and identify those responsible for tampering with food products to make more profits. Of course, one or two small farmers cannot do this. But imagine the following scenario: