China Strengthens Oversight of Bulk Liquid Food Transport in Revised Food Safety Law

From September 8-12 2025, the 17th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) was held in Beijing. During this session, the draft amendment to China’s Food Safety Law was submitted for its second review.

Food safety remains a critical concern for public health. Four years after the previous revision, the law is being updated to address new challenges arising from the rapid development of the food industry. This round of amendments adopts a targeted “small-scale” approach, focusing on urgent issues such as the regulation of road transport for key bulk liquid foods and stricter penalties for violations.

Key Provisions in the Draft

The second draft introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism for the key bulk liquid foods catalogue, allowing authorities to update it as needed. It also strengthens legal responsibilities for:

• Forging, altering, or using falsified transport records and cleaning certificates for transport containers.

• Failing to fulfill inspection and verification duties related to bulk liquid food road transport.

The draft clarifies that China will implement a licensing system for road transport of key bulk liquid foods. It specifies the obligations of senders, receivers, and transport operators. Road transport operators without proper transport permits will face legal consequences, while stricter penalties apply to those who do not comply with transport standards or falsify documentation.

Focus on Food Safety and Accountability

Officials said the amendments aim to improve traceability, enhance supervision, and protect consumer health by targeting high-risk areas in food transport.