Presenting a draft regulation to the annual session of the Shanghai People’s Congress, the director of the Shanghai Food and Drug Administration said some of its measures would be even more stringent than in the national food safety law.
When it is approved, the new regulation will allow for lifetime bans for operators convicted of serious food safety crimes. There will also be a five-year ban for those whose business license is revoked, Yan Zuqiang said.
“The draft stipulates local food business owners should set up management rules on the use of foods and additives that are near their expiry date, which is stricter than the national law,” he told the media.
The legislation would “rationalise oversight, putting the FDA in charge of food safety from production to the end of the line”, including catering services, he added.
Food safety is currently jointly overseen by the city’s quality watchdog, the industry and commerce authority, and the FDA.
Under the new legislation, inspectors will gain more access to online food services, and require food portals to supervise online advertising for vendors involved in food-safety breaches.
Other measures include requiring delivery men to obtain health certificates and setting out hygiene requirements for equipment, including carry and storage boxes.
Small outfits must register with subdistrict governments to continue operating. They must also meet hygiene, fire and safety and environmental standards, and received the approval of local residents.