Navigating China’s Changing Food Safety Landscape: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

China is working hard to modernize its food safety system through new laws, farming initiatives, and updated standards. The goal is to improve food security and make supply chains stronger by 2035.

Modernizing Agriculture for Better Food Security

In April 2025, China unveiled a 10-year agricultural plan. One of its key targets is to stabilize grain production at about 700 million metric tons by 2027, building on a record harvest in 2024. This plan stresses self-sufficiency in staple crops and includes innovations in biotechnology to develop high-yield soybeans and salt-tolerant crops. There’s also a focus on diversifying oilseed sources, such as rapeseed and peanuts. Additionally, livestock sectors will undergo modernization to improve dairy quality and beef standards, especially since there’s currently an oversupply in the market.

Revising Food Safety Laws

Lawmakers are considering major updates to China’s Food Safety Law, which was last revised in 2021. Proposed changes include:

• Regulation for Transporting Liquids: A new licensing system will oversee tanker trucks carrying edible liquids like soybean oil. These trucks will need permits and must keep containers clean and separate from chemical transports. Violators could face hefty fines ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 yuan (about $7,000 to $70,000) and possible suspension of operations.
• Infant Formula Safety Standards: Manufacturers of liquid infant formula will be required to register and meet strict technical requirements to ensure safety.
• Tougher Penalties: The draft includes stricter enforcement for food safety violations. Experts like those at Ron Simon & Associates stress that ongoing investment in enforcement is key to reducing food safety risks.

Updating Standards and Ensuring Transparency

Regulatory agencies are expanding technical standards. For example, in May 2025, the National Health Commission asked for public feedback on 28 revised food safety standards that address testing methods for additives and nutritional fortification. Recently, an updated food additive standard (GB 2760-2024) implemented in February 2025 removed certain additives like houttuynia red and restricted others such as sodium dehydroacetate. Additionally, there were public consultations on ten new food additives, which include enzyme preparations and nutritional enhancers.

Innovating through Research

This modernization effort puts a strong emphasis on scientific research and supporting agri-tech firms. Biotech projects focus on making crops more resilient and efficient, aligning with China’s broader food security goals. According to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization, improved agricultural practices could increase crop yields by up to 70% over the next decade. This underscores how crucial innovation is to addressing both current and future food challenges.

These concerted initiatives reflect China’s comprehensive strategy to build a robust, scientifically-backed food safety framework by 2035, ensuring that food is safe, secure, and sustainable for years to come.

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