China and the Netherlands collaborate in advancing food safety

Reducing use of antibiotics

At production level, China and the Netherlands collaborate in achieving food safety as well. For example in reducing the use of antibiotics. Reducing, and ultimately eliminating, the use of antibiotics in livestock production is a key measure in strengthening food safety  and sustainable food systems. The long-term overuse of antibiotics in animal farming can lead to antibiotic residues entering the human body through meat, eggs, milk, and other livestock products. This is a potential threat for food safety and may affect human health. It also contributes to antimicrobial resistance, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics in human medicine and creating potential public health risks.

The Dutch Model proves successful

Worldwide, the Netherlands was one of the first countries to systematically promote the reduction of antibiotic use in livestock farming. Its approach is often referred to as the Dutch Model. Between 2009 and 2019, the Netherlands reduced antibiotic use in the livestock sector by approximately 70%, while largely maintaining production levels and the economic competitiveness of the industry.

In recent years, China is also achieving remarkable progress in reduction of antibiotic use in livestock production. Per 1 July  2020, China prohibits use of growth-promoting antibiotics in commercial feed, marking a major turning point in China's efforts to reduce antibiotic use in animal husbandry. Per 2024, large-scale pig farms reduced their use of growth-promoting antibiotics more than 87%. Compared to 2015 levels, overall antimicrobial use in the livestock sector has declined by 20 to 30%. Next aim is a nationwide target of having more than 50% of livestock farms achieve antimicrobial reduction. Meeting this target remains particularly challenging for small- and medium-sized farms.

Collaborating towards food safety

The availability of safe food is central to healthy societies. Chinese sayings dating back two thousand years already state that food is the first necessity of the people. This illustrates the central role food has played in people's lives through the centuries. It also explains why securing high-quality agrifood production is an important part of the recently adopted 15^th Five Year Plan and the Nr 1 Central Document.

International trade in food and agricultural products play an important role in ensuring the availability of food. Guaranteeing food safety is a key priority. For many years, the Netherlands has been committed to exporting high-quality agrifood products to the Chinese market, providing Chinese consumers with more choices while also introducing diverse lifestyles.

Collaboration on food safety between China and the Netherlands has mainly been focused on regulatory compliance. Through market access consultations, both countries agreed on a cooperation framework based on risk assessment, source control, and supervision throughout the entire supply chain.

International, EU and Chinese standards apply

Through consultations, China and the Netherlands have established import requirements and ensured manageable inspection and quarantine risks. Food producing companies must comply with relevant International standards, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) as well as meet both EU standards and China's food safety laws and regulations. For products requiring enhanced oversight, such as meat, aquatic products, and dairy products, exporting companies must be officially recommended by Dutch authorities to the Chinese customs authority.

Per 1 January 2022, all overseas food producing companies need to be registered with the Chinese customs authority before importing agrifood products into China.  Registration is granted only after evaluation and approval by the Chinese customs authority. Due to the joint efforts and collaboration between Chinese and Netherlands authorities, already more than 630 Dutch food producing companies obtained registration for exporting to China.

Chinese food safety law up for revision

The first Chinese Food Safety Law came into effect on 1 June 2009. It serves as the fundamental legal framework governing food safety in China and establishes a risk-based food safety management system covering the entire food supply chain.

After multiple revisions since its inception, the law is being updated this year again to reflect continuous changes in people's living standards. The multiple revisions and updates of China's Food Safety Law also show the country's efforts to adapt its regulatory framework to new challenges and changing needs.

For more information on importing agrifood products into China please contact pek-lvvn@minbuza.nl