The problem of toxic residues in soils and agricultural products has become more and more prominent recent years in China. Although the use of organochlorines has been banned for nearly 20 years, their residues can still be detected in many kinds of food and produce potential adverse effects on human health through the food chains. Furthermore, residue of pesticides in agricultural products has been increasing in both kind and level, especially the organophosphates. Pollution of heavy metals occur largely in suburbs of large and medium-sized cities, lands irrigated with sewage and minings, resulting in residues in agricultural produce, particularly in vegetables grown there. Nitrates accumulate mainly in intensively cultivated soils, principally in the protected vegetable lands. Soil contamination is one of the major factors controlling food safety, because residues of organochlorines, heavy metals and nitrates in agricultural produce are closely related to soil pollution. To produce safe agricultural products, a countrywide project of surveying and assessing soil environmental quality should be launched, long-term monitoring systems on soil pollution established and plans for soil remediation and protection made. Moreover, standards and methods for evaluation of soil environmental quality and food safety should be developed based on bioavailability of the pollutants, including the environmental hormones. Finally, some laws and regulations should be issued, to realize a strategic change in management of land resources from quantity-based one to one based on both quality and quantity.