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China passes bill to improve food safety

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 8:32 GMT by reuters.com
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China Enacts Comprehensive Food‑Safety Bill, Tightening Controls and Expanding Consumer Rights

Beijing, Sept. 12 – In a landmark move that promises to overhaul one of the world’s most complex food‑production chains, China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) approved a sweeping new Food‑Safety Act today. The legislation, which will take effect next year, is designed to impose stricter oversight on all food‑production stages, increase penalties for violations, and give consumers clearer information and stronger legal recourse.

A Decade‑Long Quest for Safer Food

China’s food‑safety track record has been punctuated by high‑profile scandals over the past decade, most notably the 2008 melamine‑contaminated milk crisis that left more than 300 children seriously ill. In response, Beijing enacted the Food‑Safety Law in 2009 and later the “China Food‑Safety Regulations” of 2015, which introduced risk‑based inspections and stricter labeling. Yet, enforcement gaps and the rapid expansion of the domestic food industry have continued to expose vulnerabilities.

“China has made huge strides, but the gaps remain,” said Wang Jun, a senior food‑policy analyst at the China Food & Drug Administration (CFDA). “The new law is a necessary step to close those gaps and restore public trust.”

Key Provisions of the New Bill

1. Mandatory Food‑Safety Management Systems (FSMS)

All food‑production and processing entities—ranging from large agribusinesses to small family farms—will now be required to implement a certified FSMS that meets the new national standard, akin to ISO 22000 but tailored to China’s regulatory framework. The system will cover:

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) for all stages of production.
• Risk‑Based Inspection Protocols that focus on high‑risk items such as dairy, seafood, and fresh produce.
• Mandatory Audits conducted quarterly by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the CFDA.

Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to 30 % of annual revenue, suspension of licenses, or even criminal prosecution for senior managers.

2. Strengthened Traceability

The bill introduces a unified, nationwide Digital Traceability Platform (DTP) that will link every batch of food from raw material to shelf. The DTP will utilize blockchain technology and require each participant in the supply chain—farmers, transporters, processors, retailers—to upload real‑time data on origin, handling, and quality control.

“This will make the supply chain “transparent and auditable,”** said Li Xiaoping, deputy director of the CFDA’s Food Safety Department. “When something goes wrong, we can pinpoint the source instantly.”

3. Enhanced Labeling and Information Disclosure

All packaged foods must display a “Food Safety Label” that includes:

• Country of origin and farm‑to‑fork certification.
• Nutritional information in both Chinese and English.
• Safety certifications (e.g., HACCP, GMP, ISO) verified by a national certifying body.
• QR codes linking to the DTP for consumers to scan and verify the product’s history.

The new labeling requirements also apply to unprocessed foods sold in markets, mandating clearer labeling of pesticide residues and contaminants.

4. Expanded Consumer Rights and Redress Mechanisms

• Right to Recall: Manufacturers are now legally required to initiate a recall if a defect is identified that poses a health risk, and the recall must be announced within 24 hours on the DTP platform and through mass media.
• Consumer Complaint Hotline: The CFDA will maintain a 24‑hour hotline and an online portal where consumers can lodge complaints, which will be investigated within 48 hours.
• Compensation Framework: A statutory compensation scheme will be set up, with an annual fund sourced from fines and penalties collected from violators.

5. Stronger Enforcement Powers

• In‑Depth Inspections: The CFDA and SAMR will receive expanded powers to conduct surprise inspections, seize non‑compliant products, and temporarily shut down facilities.
• Data Sharing Agreements: Enforcement agencies will share data with other relevant bodies, such as customs, to curb food smuggling and substandard imports.
• Cross‑Border Cooperation: The bill contains provisions for joint inspections with foreign regulatory agencies, aiming to harmonize standards for imported goods.

Legislative Process and Political Significance

The NPC’s adoption of the bill followed a year‑long deliberation in the Food & Health Committee, where industry stakeholders, consumer groups, and scientists debated each clause. A draft was presented to the Standing Committee in March, and after a three‑phase review—including a public consultation round—the final text was approved by a vote of 1,240 to 13 in early September.

The legislation comes at a time when Beijing is positioning itself as a global leader in public health governance. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the importance of “food safety as a cornerstone of national security.” The new law is also expected to play a pivotal role in China’s “Healthy China 2030” initiative, which aims to reduce food‑borne illnesses by 50 % by the decade’s end.

Impact on Industry and International Trade

Foreign investors and multinational food companies operating in China now face tighter regulatory demands. Analysts predict that compliance costs will rise by an estimated 10‑15 % in the first three years, with significant investment required for digital traceability infrastructure.

“Compliance is a cost, but it also offers a competitive advantage,” said Maria Gonzalez, chief risk officer at an international food conglomerate. “Brands that can prove end‑to‑end traceability will win consumer trust, especially among the increasingly health‑conscious urban middle class.”

For China’s exports, the law could facilitate smoother market access abroad. “If we can demonstrate higher safety standards, we can break through tariff barriers in the EU and the US, which often hinge on safety concerns,” noted Zhao Wei, a trade policy analyst at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Looking Ahead

The Food‑Safety Act will come into force on January 1, 2026, giving companies a 12‑month transition period. During that time, the CFDA will conduct pilot tests of the DTP platform and offer a series of workshops to help small‑to‑medium enterprises upgrade their systems.

While critics argue that enforcement will still lag in rural areas, the bill’s ambitious scope and the government’s demonstrated willingness to use technology and stringent penalties signal a serious commitment to safeguarding the nation’s food supply. As China rolls out this new legal framework, the world will watch to see whether it can finally transform its food‑safety narrative from one of crisis response to proactive prevention.