In recent years, the rapid growth of fresh food e-commerce, food delivery services, and live commerce has provided consumers with unparalleled convenience. However, these new food business models have also raised concerns regarding food safety. To address these issues, the State Administration for Market Regulation recently held an administrative guidance meeting in Beijing focused on food safety within these new business models, outlining actions to ensure the healthy development of the platform economy.
During the meeting, officials shared insights into the recent specialized inspections aimed at assessing food safety in these emerging business models.
Chen Shaozhou, Deputy Director of the Food Inspection Division at the State Administration for Market Regulation, stated, “This specialized inspection targeted 1,042 live-streaming rooms across 12 online platforms such as Douyin, Kuaishou, and Taobao. We completed 1,492 batches of supervision and found significant issues, including adulteration in products like noodles and processed meats.”
The Administration also conducted inspections on major fresh food e-commerce platforms selling meat, vegetables, seafood, and fruits, completing 1,200 batches of supervision. The inspections revealed that some produce had pesticide residues exceeding safe limits, and there were instances of short weights and inadequate cold chain measures on various platforms and among certain vendors.
In light of these findings, the Administration has mandated that companies address any products that fail inspections or pose safety risks immediately.
“Firms must promptly remove, seal, and recall any non-compliant food products to prevent food safety incidents,” emphasized Sun Huichuan, Director of the Food Inspection Division. “For vendors that repeatedly fail inspections, necessary actions should be taken — including halting their services or terminating contracts. We must effectively screen merchants and products, ensuring that those lacking the proper certifications or selling unsafe foods are kept off these platforms.”
Officials noted that while the overall food safety situation within these emerging business models appears stable, these inspections highlighted some ongoing issues. Moving forward, the Administration intends to continue strengthening food safety oversight in these sectors to protect consumers.
Sun Huichuan added, “Fresh food e-commerce platforms, delivery services, and live-streaming hosts must prioritize food safety while fostering their business growth. Maintaining a robust food safety mindset is essential; it should be viewed as a foundational pillar and lifeline for business development.”
(Reported by Li Jingjing and Yao Wenli from CCTV News)
