The Chinese arm of French retailer Carrefour is trying to build confidence about the safety of its products by opening its food testing laboratory in Shanghai to the public next month.

This lab, which tests dozens of pesticide residues, food additives and water levels in fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meat, will allow visitors to try the tests themselves.

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“The programme is to show the consumers our efforts on food safety,” a spokesperson for Carrefour China said. Carrefour might allow access to more laboratories in different cities, the spokesperson added.

Carrefour began to set up food testing labs in 2007 after a series of Chinese food safety scandals, including toxins in rice and milk powder. It has laboratories in 17 Chinese cities, including Beijing, and one will open soon in Chongqing.

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