BEIJING -- China's Health Ministry will conduct more severe supervision and inspection over preparations for the Beijing Olympics in all mainland match cities. According to the ministry, it will send supervision teams to Beijing, Qingdao, Tianjian, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, all hosts of Olympic events.

    Health Minister Chen Zhu said, "health administrations at all levels must secure a healthy environment for the Games."

    The minister made the remark at a meeting here on Tuesday attended by heads of health departments around the country.

    He urged all health administrations to maintain 24-hour alert to possible incidents during the Games.

    By the end of June, local health administrations should carry out thorough inspections on the safety and quality of water and food provided in their markets and complete evaluations of food prepared for the Games before athletes arrive at the Olympic village, the minister said.