NHC’s Food Safety Duties Detailed in 3 Stipulation Scheme

The “3 stipulation scheme” published recently by the State Council details the staffing, administrative structure and functions of National Health Commission (takes over responsibilities previously designated to NHFPC). National health and medical reform are two focuses for NHC.

A department named “food safety standards and monitoring & assessment department” is exclusively set up to deal with food issues, which is obliged to

• implement food safety risk monitoring and assessment

• develop and release food safety standards

• carry out safety review of new food raw materials, food additives and food related products

In addition, the scheme also underscored the significance of cooperation with other authorities. NHC shall provide feedback to SAMR on results of risk assessment studies to dynamically shape policy development. In turn, SAMR can also instruct NHC to develop food safety risk assessment targeting specific areas.