BEIJING - Chinese government will take strong measures against companies that break food safety regulations to ensure "healthy" New Year holiday and the Spring Festival that falls in mid February next year.

The authorities will implement harsher punishments for food producers that make counterfeit products and sell adulterated or expired food, according to an announcement released Sunday by the food safety office under the State Council, or China's Cabinet.

It also urged local inspectors to intensify their efforts to ensure the safety of grain products, meat, infant food, alcoholic beverages and edible gifts during the holidays.

The Spring Festival is one of the most important traditional holidays in China and is likely to see huge transaction volume in food trade, as people always arrange banquets to celebrate family reunion and entertain guests.