Chinese premier orders investigation into vaccine industry

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has ordered an investigation into the country's vaccine industry as citizens reacted angrily to revelations that a rabies vaccine maker was breaking regulations. The company has been accused of falsifying records in its production and control processes, and the scandal has erupted as China's leaders struggle to restore public confidence in safety procedures following deaths from fake and faulty drugs, milk and food. Yesterday, Keqiang promised a "decisive crackdown" on violations of procedures that threaten public security, according to the Associated Press. So far, there are no reports of the rabies vaccine endangering anyone's health, but the announcement of the breach of procedures has set off an avalanche of discontent online. Authorities last Sunday ordered Changsheng Life Sciences to halt production and recall rabies vaccines. Investigators are testing the effectiveness of the vaccines and are considering filing criminal charges, Xinhua said. Rabies is widespread in some areas of China.