China’s National Health Commission requires the strengthening of the traceability management of cold chain food in November 2020.
On 27 Nov. 2020, the National Health Commission issued the Circular on Further Improving the Traceability Management of Cold Chain Food (“the Circular”, 关于进一步做好冷链食品追溯管理工作的通知), establishing and improving the traceability management system for cold chain food, including platforms established by the State, provinces and enterprises. It will focus on livestock, poultry meat and aquatic products, achieve the information traceability of the entire chain of key cold chain foods, improve the measures for inspection and problem prevention against individuals and goods, and establish a rapid and accurate response mechanism for defective products.
Particularly, the Circular requires the strengthening of information management. All areas shall emphasize on the inspection of the entry and exit ledgers and demand for certificates and invoices by key cold chain food manufacturers and operators, and guide the relevant manufacturers and operators to accurately fill in and record the data and information and timely report the problems found. All local customs shall share relevant information on the import and export of key cold chain food with the market regulatory authorities to achieve information sharing and verification.
Contributors: Yanru Chen 陈彦茹
