The law on food safety published in 2009 will soon be revised for the first time. The draft has been sent to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for deliberation on June 23rd. The new law should count 154 articles (up from 109 currently) and include new clauses on production of foodstuff for infants and children.
According to the draft’s suggested revisions, the industries producing food products for infants and children should be able to control the complete production chain and carry out thorough tests and examination of the products leaving the factory. From the author’s understanding, authorization to label baby formula as “imported” will be given if the formula is made of foreign milk processed abroad, foreign milk processed in China or Chinese milk processed in China by a registered foreign trademark.
The draft also proposes new regulations on Internet foodstuff sale, health protection measures and reinforced sanctions against lawbreakers and officials in charge of food safety inspection who do not fulfil their duties.
