July 30, 2014

China tightens regulations on meat products amid latest scandal

In the wake of the unsanitary practices at Shanghai Husi Food, China's National Office of Food Safety (OFS) is tightening supervision of manufacturing and distribution of meat and meat products, Forbes reported.

To prevent issues with meat damaged by weather, severe heat or improper storage, OFS released a notice in early July, which aims to tighten supervision of the safety of meat and meat products.

The Notice urges provincial OFSs to organize local agencies and conduct targeted inspections of meat manufacturing companies, wholesale markets, bazars, supermarkets, specialty meat stores and food service establishments. 

OFS is also directing localities to strengthen supervision of the production of halal meat, calling on local OFSs to increase scrutiny of manufacturing licenses and labelling rules for halal meat.

In addition, the Notice requires the establishment of better systems to handle complaints from consumers.

Last year, floating pig carcasses in Shanghai's Huangpu River caused a stir in the country, sparking concern about black meat markets.