Food Safety

Assuring food quality and safety in supply chains in China and beyond

Food safety management is one of the sectors selected for Outcome 1 of the UK-China Business Environment Programme Standards Strand: improvement in the adoption and use of International Standards in China.

The safety of food in China (as in most countries) is a regulated sector. There are a number of international standards that can support effective regulations and access to markets through greater alignment. The programme seeks to increase the levels of adoptions of internationally aligned standards for food safety and the safe production of food products in China.

The adoption and implementation of food safety management system standards in China will be piloted in small scale food producers in rural areas in China to demonstrate the value of being able to provide assurance of quality and safety to access supply chains in China and beyond.

Food safety standards in the China context

China has a domestic poverty alleviation programme to move 10 million people out of poverty per year targeting an additional 30,46 million people by 2020. A big thrust of this plan is to develop capacity in rural areas and also supports national programmes focusing on getting agricultural products or processed food products to market.

There are several new entrants seeking to get their products or produce into markets both in China and around the world. Studies reported by CNIS indicate that some of the key obstacles encountered by these new entrants to the market include – doubts in the market related to a) the product quality and safety; b) the reputation or brand of the supplier (grower or processor), and c) limitations with respect to distribution channels.

Having standards available to ensure minimum safety and quality levels for products, processes and material as well as assistance in implementing international best practice for food safety management in the food production and supply can support efforts in this area by improving assurance in the supply chain. By adopting a systematic approach to the identification of risks to food safety and quality, the operators can manage these to acceptable levels and provide the market with the assurance they need, and business can grow and thrive.

New products and supply chains for products are being discovered and introduced and with them new challenges for ensuring that these products remain safe and fit for consumption. Small-scale farmers who traditionally sold through fresh produce markets are moving their business online through platforms such as Alibaba.com who have shown a marked increase in on-line sales of food products. At the same time, these new channels are facing new challenges when providing the assurances of quality and safety their customers demand especially if they are being moved to new (and possibly export) markets.

Step 1 – Adoption of standards

Training and dissemination around International Standards for Food Safety Management will lead to their adoption and use
Adoption and use of International Standards will increase participation and understanding of industry stakeholders on the importance and benefits of adopting International Standards for Food Safety Management
Business opportunities for the sale and distribution of food will increase if International Standards are adopted in China.

Step 2 – Piloting of standards

BSI and NMPA have proposed to pilot the implementation of suitable standards for Food Safety Management in China

The theme of the pilot project is piloting the use of International Standards for Food Safety Management System (FSMS) standards in up to five small scale food producers in rural areas in China. The programme will provide:
1. Training related to the implementation and use of FSMS standards to groups responsible for maintenance of conformity to the standard.
2. Field visits to support the implementation of FSMS and pre-assessment audit.
3. Application for certification of enterprises and awareness-raising activities on the importance of International Standards.