Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing Calls for Enhanced Full-Chain Food Safety Supervision

Strengthening National Food Safety Standards

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, who also serves as a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, recently addressed the importance of food safety during the launch of the National Food Safety Publicity Week. He stressed that food safety is a fundamental aspect of public well-being and requires unwavering attention from all levels of government.

Implementing the 'Four Strictest' Requirements

During his remarks, Zhang Guoqing emphasized the necessity of adhering to the 'four strictest' requirements—the strictest standards, the strictest supervision, the strictest punishment, and the strictest accountability. He called for a comprehensive approach to oversight that covers the entire lifecycle of food products, from production and processing to circulation and consumption. Key focus areas include:

• Enhancing risk monitoring and early warning systems
• Strengthening the supervision of high-risk food categories
• Improving the traceability of agricultural products and processed foods
• Increasing the severity of penalties for food safety violations

Advancing Full-Chain Supervision

The initiative highlights a shift toward more integrated, full-chain supervision. Zhang Guoqing urged local authorities and relevant departments to leverage modern technology, such as big data and artificial intelligence, to improve the efficiency and accuracy of food safety inspections. By closing loopholes in the supply chain, the government aims to prevent food safety incidents before they occur and maintain public trust in the food market.

Commitment to Public Health

The National Food Safety Publicity Week serves as a platform to raise awareness among businesses and the public regarding their roles in maintaining food safety. Zhang Guoqing concluded by stating that 'ensuring food safety is a long-term task that requires the joint efforts of the government, enterprises, and society.' The initiative underscores China's ongoing commitment to upgrading its regulatory framework to meet the evolving demands of a modern food industry.