FSA recommendation to assess the system of food safety controls in China
Recommendation from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to audit the system of food safety controls in China for both Food of Non-Animal Origin (FNAO) and Products of Animal Origin (POAO) intended for export to Great Britain.
Background
In May 2023 the FSA nominated its priorities for risk-based third-country audit to Defra’s UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance’s (UK SPS Office), to be considered for inclusion in the UK’s international audit plan. One of these priorities was to audit the system of food safety controls in China covering both FNAO and POAO.
High rates of non-compliance of food exports from China, warrants further attention on China’s control of food commodities destined for export to Great Britain
Several commodities, both POAO and FNAO, have been subject to enhanced controls for a prolonged period, with little evidence to warrant their removal which suggests issues in food safety control that are not being adequately resolved at a national level.
May 2023 FSA Recommendation
The FSA recommends that the UK seek to audit China with respect to:
- Competent Authority oversight of official controls for FNAO commodities exported to Great Britain.
- Competent Authority oversight of official controls for POAO commodities exported to Great Britain.
- Competent Authority engagement with producers, exporters and traders to ensure they meet the requirements for exporting both POAO and FNAO products to Great Britain.