According to the latest data published by GAC on May 24, a total of 92 batches of foods from 23 countries/regions failed import inspection in April[1]. Most of the non-compliant food came from Canada, Vietnam and Russia. Main reasons for non-compliance are listed below:
Disqualification
Microbial contamination
Overuse of food additives
Unqualified labeling
One Batch of Infant Formula Rejected
One batch of infant formula milk powder from Vietnam was rejected due to the lack of inspection and quarantine permit. The non-compliant products have been returned or destroyed by Customs and do not pose a risk to Chinese consumers.
Complementary Infant Food Manufactured by Heinz Italia Spa were Blacklisted
Three batches of Heinz’s complementary infant food were found to contain excessive levels of the food additive sodium copper chlorophyllin. It’s worth mentioning that this company has been repeatedly blacklisted due to non-compliant use of food ingredients in complementary baby food[2].
Shelf Life and Labeling Issues are the Leading Factors for Beverage Non-Compliance
Most batches of beverages were rejected due to shelf life issues and unqualified labeling, especially coffee and solid beverage. Other reasons for rejection are listed as below:
Exceeding mould limitations
Non-compliant use of Vitamin B12
Violating product standards
50% of Rejected Honey Failed to Meet Chinese National Standards
4 batches of honey were rejected due to violating corresponding national food safety standards, based on aberrations in sucrose, fructose and glucose concentrations. Other non-compliance reasons are listed below: