On April 25, 2018, Zhang Mao, director of the SAMR, made an exclusive interview with China on institutional reforms.

What is the current progress of institutional reforms in China? What are the working priorities of SAMR this year? What impact will it have on food enterprises? Foodmate re-organize the questions as follow:

 

SAMR has established a working group for the reform of the State Administration. There are 11 special working groups responsible for all key tasks in the transitional period of institutional reforms. A working plan for implementation of the institutional reform organization and a number of working rules for the transitional period have been formulated. Make arrangements for the contents of key reforms such as the revision of laws and regulations. At present, the work plan is being implemented.

SAMR must make efforts of carrying out the ideological work to cadres, achieve the change of functions, optimize the combination, and deepen integration. Implement the “three decide” plan and the task of institutional reform and market supervision.

Convenience: From the food and drug administration, the food production license has been extended from the original three-year validity period to five years. The institutional reform will strive to achieve full coverage of the under 1 year old baby formula product category for special medical purposes before December 31st. Gradually cut down the time for reviewing and approving the listing of new drugs from 7-8 years to 2-3 years.
Safety: Strengthen supervision in the food and drug field, strictly guard and control against of food and drug safety risks, focus on solving problems such as illegal addition, counterfeiting, false publicity, and campus food safety, improve the supply quality of the entire food chain, and promote the quality of the catering industry, promote the high-quality development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and advance the “Internet plus” food and drug safety.