Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China was promulgated in 2009, and amended in 2015, 2018 and 2021 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on 29 Apr. 2021.

There are 154 articles in total. The Law aims to ensure food safety and safeguard the physical health and life safety of the public.

1.The State shall adopt a licensing system for food production and food operation. Whoever engages in food production, food sales and catering services shall obtain a permit in accordance with the law. However, a permit is not required for the sale of edible agricultural products and the sale of only prepacked food. Where only prepacked food is sold, it shall be filed with the food safety regulatory authority of the local people’s government at or above the county level for the record.

2.Food operators shall store food according to the food safety requirements, check food inventory regularly, and promptly clear up food that has deteriorated or exceeded its shelf life.

3.The State shall establish a food recall system. Food producers shall, upon discovery that the food produced by them does not meet the food safety standards or there is evidence that the food may endanger human health, immediately stop the food production, recall such food from the market, notify the relevant food producers, operators and consumers, and record the recall and notification.

4.The State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine shall supervise and administrates the safety of import and export food. Overseas exporters and overseas manufacturing enterprises shall ensure that the food, food additives, and food-related products exported to China comply with the provisions of this Law, other relevant laws and administrative regulations and the requirements of food safety standards of China, and shall be responsible for the contents of labels and instructions.