Food regulators in China issued strict new rules, known as Order 27, “governing how food producers and operators — including related third-party computer platform and delivery service providers — store, market and transport their products sold online,” said Food Safety News. The rules, which took effect at the start of this month, apply to transactions occurring within the country and are silent on cross-border sales.
Order 27 specifically targets food supplements and infant formula, products that were subject to abuse in the past, said FSN. The regulations, among other provisions, require food producers and traders who sell products online to obtain a business license and guarantee safe storage and transportation of items that require controlled temperatures.
In the U.S., FDA “regulates internet food sales similar to how it oversees home-based businesses and requires such sellers to register as a “facility” if the food products are sold outside the individual’s state of residence,” said FSN. Home-based businesses also face state and local regulation.