3.2.4 Proposed Regulation in the PR China

Concerns about food quality and health have become a major issue in China, with specific proposals for enhanced regulation of cocoa products [1]: “Supervision over the use of imported cocoa shells as well as manufacturers of cocoa products and foodstuff containing cocoa powder as an ingredient will be intensified, according to a circular jointly released by China Food and Drug Administration and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.”

The circular called for strict labelling of products, in Chinese and “checks on production permits of cocoa product manufacturers, as well as supervision of manufacturers of cocoa-related food products. The circular also urged local food, product quality and quarantine authorities to jointly check cocoa products and related food companies for safety risks and alert superior departments of any issues.”