Restoring Confidence: A Comprehensive Analysis of China’s Food Safety System

By Lei Liu and Meilin Tang

A recent food scandal in China has raised serious alarms. On July 2, 2024, state-backed media The Beijing News reported that two major companies, Hopefull Grain & Oil Group and China Grain Reserves Oil and Fat, had been using fuel trucks to transport edible oils without cleaning them for years. This shocking revelation has sparked anger and fear about food safety across the nation.

The government acted swiftly by launching investigations, detaining the truck owner and drivers, and starting a nationwide campaign to tighten regulations on edible oil transport. But this incident has highlighted ongoing issues with food safety in China, leading to deep public concern.

Since 2009, China has put various laws in place to improve food safety, with updates in 2015, 2018, and 2021. The country strives for a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to food safety violations and has set up networks to monitor food contamination and illnesses. Despite these efforts, a recent report showed that while food inspection pass rates were over 97% from 2019 to 2023, public trust remains low. A 2022 survey from Jiangnan University revealed that only 47.2% of participants felt satisfied with food safety in their area, though most hoped for improvements.

The oil scandal has escalated worries not just among Chinese citizens but also internationally. In the first half of 2024, China attracted over 8.5 million international tourists, a 190% jump from the previous year, thanks in part to new visa-free policies. However, concerns about food safety could deter future visitors and affect the reputation of Chinese food businesses globally, potentially hindering food exports.

The root of China’s food safety problem lies in weak enforcement of regulations. With complex supply chains and online sales, coordination among different regulatory bodies is crucial but often inadequate. In some cases, minor penalties for violations encourage businesses to overlook safety laws, as the profits from cutting corners can be quite appealing.

Corruption is another obstacle. Reports have surfaced about school canteens cutting quality to save costs, showing the need for better co-regulation between the government, businesses, and the public. Building a stronger system of oversight is essential for public trust.

To restore faith in food safety, China must take decisive actions. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms is vital to address public concerns during food safety crises. Media outlets, particularly official ones, should deliver clear and accurate information rapidly to counter misinformation on social platforms.

Private sector stakeholders should also step up. Businesses can support or create non-profit centers that provide reliable food safety information. Utilizing social media effectively can help raise awareness and encourage the public to report safety issues. Moreover, improving whistleblower protections and increasing rewards for reporting violations can enhance public participation in food safety initiatives.

China needs to tighten its regulations, unifying standards and aligning them with international norms. While the country has introduced numerous food safety standards, many gaps persist, including low thresholds and an incomplete food classification system.

Stronger penalties should be enforced for companies that breach safety laws. A risk-based rating system could help allocate inspections and enforcement efforts more effectively, focusing resources where they are most needed based on each business’s risk profile.

Additionally, cross-regional supervision is crucial. As food production and consumption often cross jurisdictional lines, coordinated data sharing and joint enforcement efforts are necessary to effectively address food safety challenges.

China’s advanced information technology can play a significant role in enhancing food safety regulation. By integrating online and offline monitoring, the government can ensure quicker information flow and a more transparent relationship with the public.

About the authors:

• Lei Liu is a Professor at the School of Public Administration, Sichuan University.
• Meilin Tang is a Researcher at the School of Public Administration, Sichuan University.

Source: This article was published at East Asia Forum

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