A review of Chinese food safety strategies implemented after several food safety incidents involving export of Chinese aquatic products

• Published in: British food journal (1966) Vol. 114; no. 3; pp. 372 - 386
• Main Authors: Liu, Huanan, Kerr, William A, Hobbs, Jill E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Group Publishing Limited 16-03-2012
• Subjects: Aquaculture; Bans; Carp; Catfish; China; Domestic markets; Economic development; Economic growth; Economic structure; Economics; Exports; Farmers; Fish; Food safety; Food systems; Foods; Governments; Incentives; International trade; Liability; Market economies; Markets; Pollution; Private sector; Reputations; Safety; Safety systems; Seafood; Studies; Supply chains; Water pollution; China; Traceability; Fish (food); Trade; Aquatic; China; Quality systems; Food safety; Foreign trade; Water pollutants; Food controls
• ISSN: 0007-070X; 1758-4108
• DOI: 10.1108/00070701211213474

Purpose - The rapid transition from a command to market-based economy in China has required the development of a food safety system for aquatic products where one did not previously exist. The pace of change has meant that food safety systems have struggled to keep up. In 2007 food safety incidents damaged the reputation of aquatic products in export markets. The Chinese Government has moved quickly to strengthen the safety regime for aquatic products. The purpose of this paper is to assess these initiatives in the context of their potential to regain international acceptance of Chinese aquatic products.Design methodology approach - A regulatory assessment approach is used.Findings - The findings are that increased government oversight alone is not likely to lead to a fully effective food safety system for aquatic products. The development of private sector-based incentives to encourage investment in food safety is an essential co-requisite to increased government oversight if China's access to international markets is to be assured.Originality value - The value of this study lies in the light it sheds on the efforts of a major player in the international market for aquatic products to improve the efficacy of its food safety system. China's regulatory regimes are often opaque, limiting the ability of those wishing to assess the advisability of importing food products from China.