The government is expanding its serious food and drug blacklist to include individuals and companies using expired materials in the production of food, as well as those involved in manufacturing substandard medical appliances, officials said yesterday.
Under the expanded blacklist scheme, which was first introduced in 2013, violators face public exposure and other state penalties, stricter inspections, and difficulty obtaining bank loans and land-use permits, said Shanghai Food and Drug Administration.
Violations already include: using false information and fake documents to obtain a license, using excessive food additives, and using non-food materials for food production.
"In addition to expanding the blacklist, the authority will increase the frequency of spot checks and monitor consumer comments about restaurants on websites," said Yan Zuqiang, director of Shanghai FDA. "Poor performers will be inspected more frequently and thoroughly, while those who perform well will be used as role models for promotion."
The blacklist expansion was prompted by the Husi scandal. On February 1, a Shanghai court ordered two food processing plants owned by fast-food chain supplier Husi Food Co to pay fines and sentenced 10 people to prison terms for producing and selling substandard products in a case exposed in 2014.
The Shanghai and Hebei branches of Husi Food Co were each ordered to pay 1.2 million yuan ($18,240) in fines for using recycled meat.
Husi is a subsidiary of the US-based global food processor OSI Group and a former supplier to major fast-food chains including McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut.
By the end of 2015, Shanghai FDA released 16 blacklists naming and shaming 31 companies and 65 individuals in the food and drug industries.
Officials said Shanghai is drafting new food safety regulations and welcomes public input.
"The draft of the new regulations is now accessible to the public on our website and WeChat account until April 20," Yan said.
"The regulations, expected to take effect in May, will allow us to create an effective farm-to-table monitoring network."
