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China Opens Public Comment on Draft Revised Food Safety Law: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is seeking public feedback on a draft revision of the Food Safety Law until November 10, 2026. Foreign founders in food, beverage, and related sectors should note the deadline and submission channels.

China Seeks Public Input on Draft Revised Food Safety Law

On October 10, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published a notice announcing a public consultation on a draft revision of the Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China. The draft was prepared by SAMR to implement the “four strictest” instructions on food safety and to protect public health and safety. The consultation is open to all interested parties, including companies and individuals, and the deadline for submitting comments is November 10, 2026.

For foreign founders operating or planning to establish a business in China's food and beverage sector, this is a key regulatory development to monitor. While the final text is not yet in force, the draft signals potential changes to the legal framework governing food production, distribution, and safety oversight. Participating in the consultation—or at least tracking its progress—can help foreign-invested enterprises anticipate compliance requirements and align their China market entry strategies.

How to Submit Comments

SAMR has provided three official channels for submitting feedback on the draft revision. Foreign founders and their China-based teams can use any of these methods before the November 10 deadline:

• Online: Visit the SAMR official website at http://www.samr.gov.cn and navigate to the “互动” (Interaction) section on the homepage, then select “征集调查” (Solicitation Surveys) to submit comments electronically.
• Email: Send comments to [email protected]. The subject line of the email should clearly state “《中华人民共和国食品安全法（修订草案征求意见稿）》公开征求意见” (Public Consultation on the Draft Revised Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China).
• Postal Mail: Mail written comments to the Food Coordination Department of SAMR at 9 Madiandong Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Postal Code: 100088. The envelope should also bear the notation “《中华人民共和国食品安全法（修订草案征求意见稿）》公开征求意见”.

All submissions must be received by November 10, 2026. There is no indication in the notice of an extension, so foreign companies wishing to contribute should prepare their comments well in advance.

Why This Matters for Foreign Founders

Food safety is a highly regulated area in China, and the Food Safety Law forms the foundation for licensing, inspections, labeling, and import requirements that apply to both domestic and foreign-invested companies. A revision of this law could affect several aspects of doing business in China's food sector, such as:

• Registration and licensing procedures for food production and operation;
• Standards for food additives, ingredients, and packaging materials;
• Traceability and recall obligations for food businesses;
• Penalties and enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance.

Although the draft text itself is not summarized in the notice, the accompanying attachments—the draft revised Food Safety Law and its explanatory notes—are available for download from the SAMR website. Foreign founders are encouraged to review these documents carefully to understand proposed changes. The explanatory notes may provide context on the rationale for specific amendments and their expected impact on industry.

For companies in the process of registering a food-related business in China, the consultation period offers an opportunity to voice concerns or seek clarification on provisions that could affect their operations. Even if a company chooses not to submit comments, monitoring the revision process can help with strategic planning, particularly regarding product formulation, labeling, and supply chain compliance.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

Given the deadline and the potential significance of the revision, foreign founders should consider the following actions:

• Download and review the draft and explanatory notes from the SAMR website to assess how proposed changes might affect your business.
• Consult with local legal or regulatory advisors to interpret the draft and identify provisions that may require adjustments to your China operations.
• Prepare and submit comments through one of the three official channels if you wish to provide feedback. Ensure your submission is in Chinese and clearly references the draft title.
• Engage with industry associations or chambers of commerce that may be coordinating collective responses on behalf of foreign businesses.
• Monitor SAMR announcements for the final version of the revised law and any subsequent implementing rules or transition periods.

It is important to note that the consultation is a formal step in China's legislative process, but the final content and effective date of the revised law are not yet determined. Foreign founders should treat the draft as indicative rather than final and avoid making irreversible business decisions solely based on the consultation draft.

Conclusion

The public consultation on the draft revised Food Safety Law is a significant regulatory event for any foreign founder involved in China's food sector. With a clear deadline of November 10, 2026, and multiple channels for feedback, SAMR is inviting input from all stakeholders. Foreign-invested enterprises can use this opportunity to contribute their perspectives and prepare for potential regulatory changes. Staying informed and engaged will help ensure smoother registration and ongoing compliance in China's dynamic food market.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Call to Action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.