On Feb. 2nd, 2019, China SAMR released [1] the Food Safety Sampling Inspection Management Method [2] for public feedback. The public can visit this Opinion Solicitation System [3] to check the draft. Any comments shall be sent back prior to March 4, 2019.
Main revisions compared to the original version [4]:
The competent authority has been changed from CFDA to SAMR
Further specified responsibilities and implementation measures
E.g. SAMR shall set up a food safety inspection supervision system (Rule 8); local SAMR authorities shall supervise the sampling inspection (Rule 14); measures for authorities to verify the disposal and supervise the food production operators are newly formed (Rule 51).
Detailed inspection content
E.g. the expression "staple and auxiliary food" was changed into "health food, FSMP and infant formula food" (Rule 13); the inspection procedure and implementation measures for online food were newly formulated (Rule 17 & 21).
Specific procedures and timeduring the inspection and reexamination stage have been revised.
E.g. Applicants can submit the written re-examination application within 7 working days (previously 5 working days in the 2015 edition.)
Legal liability for food production operators and SAMR officials are included.