China sentences corrupt official to death

CHINA sentenced the former head of its food and drug watchdog to death yesterday on corruption charges, for accepting bribes in return for granting approvals for hundreds of medicines.

The sentence by a Beijing court comes as China scrambles to assert control over its chaotic food and pharmaceutical industries following a series of public health scares from Chinese-made products.

Zheng Xiaoyu, 62, looked haggard and despondent as court security officers clapped handcuffs on him following the verdict.