CFDA to Implement Pilot Food Quality and Safety Authorization System in 2014

A National Food and Drug Administration Conference was held in Beijing from December 26 to 27, 2013. During the conference it was revealed that a pilot food quality and safety authorization system will be trialed in a number of food enterprises in 2014.

The Draft of Revised Food Safety Law was promulgated at the end of October 2013, which puts the onus on industry self-regulation and emphasizes that food manufacturers and operators are primarily responsible for food safety. Furthermore, a food traceability management system should be established to ensure accountability for future events, increase the speed of regulatory rectifications and strengthen the sense of responsibility of food production enterprises. Please click here for relevant news reported on November 4, 2013 by Chemlinked.

During this conference it was proposed to choose some provinces (municipalities) including Guangdong and Shanghai for the pilot program. From these provinces, major food enterprises of infant formula milk powder and liquor would be selected to implement the food quality and safety authorization system. The basis of the scheme involves appointing an internal representative from each enterprise who will act as a general director in charge of food quality and safety and who will be ultimately responsible and sign off on the whole process associated with raw material sources and quality, auxiliary material selection, production control, delivery inspection and product release.

Furthermore, CFDA will also choose manufacturers of infant formula milk powder and meat products as part of the pilot program. Again new traceability and quality control measures will be implemented. Enterprises will implement new data recording systems to document the purchase and use of raw materials and auxiliary materials, production process control, delivery inspection and sales.