China: publicizes regulation to implement Food Safety Law

Beijing / CN. (xh) China is planning to set up its first national food safety risk assessment system, following a spate of tainted food incidents in recent years, Xinhua reported in June. The system includes a national committee, special regulation and food safety assessment offices nationwide, Deputy Health Minister Chen Xiaohong told Xinhua at the China Food Safety Forum 2009 in Beijing. In June Chen did not give a specific timeline for the system but said «it would be implemented very soon». Now the news agency reported that Chinese food producers must record all the information on raw material procurement and food processing procedures and keep the record for at least two years – under a new regulation to ensure food safety. The requirement is detailed in the «Regulation on the Implementation of the Food Safety Law». The regulation details the requirements on food manufacturers and wholesalers in food processing and distribution and the importance of supervision by health authorities highlighted in the Food Safety Law (which took effect on June 01, we read – see «Chinese authorities vow to ensure food safety as new law goes effective»). Passed on July 08 at a meeting of the State Council, the regulation also gives specifics on food safety risk assessments – see «China sets interim goals for ambitious medical health plan».