Chinese Food Law: A legal-systematic analysis

Abstract

The People's Republic of China is one of the largest importers and exporters of food products in the world. After the melamine crisis fundamentally challenged its food legal infrastructure, the PRC now boasts one of the most modern systems of food law in the world. This makes Chinese food law very interesting for its own sake but also as a source for comparison and inspiration. This book aims to make Chinese food law accessible to a non-Chinese audience. The book follows the same legal-systematic approach that has proven its usefulness in explaining EU food law in the EU Food Law Handbook. Topics discussed include the history of Chinese food law, general principles, the institutional framework, the difference between food and edible agricultural products, the homology of food and medicine, authorization requirements for food additives, novel food materials, health foods, food for special medical purposes and infant formula, genetically modified organisms, maximum limits for residues and other contaminants, process requirements to prevent and deal with food safety incidents, labelling requirements including nutrition and health claims and food law enforcement. Where appropriate we have taken into account the perspective of businesses wishing to export to China. You don't need a background related to food, to law or to China to enjoy this book. Readers may include students or researchers with an interest in Chinese or comparative food law, but also public authorities, NGOs or food businesses who wish to better understand or to take inspiration from food law in the People's Republic of China.