China regulator strengthens oversight of online food safety

China's State Administration for Market Regulation held an administrative guidance meeting regarding food safety on online platforms. The agency emphasized the need for internet platforms to strengthen their primary responsibilities in managing food safety risks.

While online food consumption has grown to meet diverse consumer needs, the regulator noted persistent issues such as counterfeit or substandard products and false advertising. The meeting called for improved internal control systems, including stricter merchant audits, routine inspections, and risk assessments.

Authorities also instructed market supervision departments to expand the scope of online sampling inspections and increase targeted enforcement to resolve food safety hazards and ensure a standardized market environment.