Food Safety Management

Food Safety

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

Assuring food quality and safety in supply chains in China and beyond
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Food Safety
Food Safety
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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 UK context

According to the ‘Quality and Safety of Imported Food in China’ report published by the General Administration of Customs in 2018, China imported GBP 45.02 billion worth of food and drink products. Steady growth of the market is reflected in a 5.7% compound annual growth rate of food and drink products’ import value into China between 2012 and 2017, while UK food and drink exports to China grew by 28 percent in 2018, to reach 564.4 million pounds in value, according to trade figures released by the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Alignment of standards will better facilitate this trade.

Market access is gradually improving for a wider range of UK products. However, food needs to be safe so buyers insist that anyone supplying food demonstrates that all food safety risks are identified and well managed. Food prepared in accordance with a management system is safer.

A good example of a management system is that encompassed by ISO 22000 Food Safety Management and its pre-requisite programmes on subjects (such as food manufacturing, catering, farming, food packaging manufacturing, transport and storage and feed and animal food production). Also, the unique requirements of the UK food regulators can be designed into a food safety management system to ensure compliance before the product leaves the facility (farm or factory).

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.