China's report on food and agricultural standards

Over the past year, China continued to streamline its regulatory system for imported food and agricultural products, especially in the lead up to the Beijing Olympic Games and following a series of food safety scandals.

The government has published new administrative measures to standardize imports and updated its food and agricultural standards, notably the food additive standard.

China has issued or modified hundreds of food and agriculture related regulations and standards following its accession to the WTO (World Trade Organization) in December 2001.

However, inconsistencies between Chinese food standards and international standards have created a number of trade barriers and disputes.

In order to resolve this issue, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) continues to seek harmonization of domestic and international standards.

For the update of the food additive standard, the measures address production, marketing and use of food additives, along with labeling and monitoring requirements.

With effect from July 1, 2002, these measures explain the application procedures fro the production, or new use of food additives. The measures indicate the application procedures to request a change in the scope of dosage of food additives.

The amended Administrative Food Additive Hygiene was approved by the MOH executive committee on December 11, 2001 and signed by Minister Zhang Wenkang on March 28, 2002.

For the full USDA report, please click here