Chinese food (additive) industry: manufacturing licence is now required

The Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine ("AQSIQ") published the Rules of Administration and Supervision on Production of Food Additives ("Rules") on 4 April 2010 (to be entered into force on 1 June 2010).

Serving as one of the follow-up measures of the PRC Food Safety Law, these new Rules will enhance the administrative supervision of the Chinese food additive industry. Starting from 1 June 2010, all manufacturers producing food additives in China will be subject to manufacturing licence control by AQSIQ; in the past, the regulation of food additive production under hygiene regulations was not as strict. In future, the manufacture of food additives will not be permitted in China without such a manufacturing licence.

In addition to food additive manufacturers, the above Rules are also important for those in industries which make use of food additives, such as food manufacturers. Food manufacturers may be sanctioned with fines or even cessation of activities or cancellation of their food manufacturing licence if they have not kept evidence of compliance of their food additive supplier with the Rules.