Summary of the Core Content
This article focuses on the frequent food safety incidents that have occurred since 2026, such as杨mei (dried plums) treated with chemicals, cabbage contaminated with formaldehyde, and chicken feet soaked in hydrogen peroxide. It points out that despite the regulatory authorities taking action and making corrections after each incident, the problems continue to recur, resembling a "whack-a-mole" game that is difficult to eradicate. The article delves into four common underlying causes: weak control at the source, low costs of violations, passive supervision, and a lack of accountability for online transactions. It proposes solutions that address these root issues, including strengthening prevention measures at the source, increasing the cost of violations, promoting social collaboration in governance, and holding platforms more accountable. The article emphasizes that a comprehensive approach is needed to replace short-term, campaign-style efforts if we are to truly ensure food safety.
Detailed Analysis
Why Has Food Safety Become a "Whack-a-Mole" Game? – The Current Situation and Dilemma
The pattern of each food safety incident is similar: media exposure → regulatory intervention and confiscation → initiation of legal proceedings → brand apologies → official accountability. However, as soon as one issue is resolved, another emerges. For example, just as the controversy over Yangmei treated with chemicals in Zhangzhou subsided in May, the issue of cabbage contaminated with formaldehyde in Zhangjiakou made headlines again, leaving consumers constantly worried. The core issue is that regulatory authorities tend to respond reactively rather than proactively, failing to address the root causes and preventing such problems from happening again.
The Four Major Root Causes of Frequent Incidents – A Deeper Analysis
1. Dispersed Sources, Difficult to Regulate
Most food producers and distributors in China are small farmers, workshops, and retailers, which are small in scale and spread out, resulting in a low level of standardization. For instance, the producers of chemically treated Yangmei are individual farmers, and the purchasers of formaldehyde-contaminated cabbage are small traders. These entities neither have the capability nor the resources (or high enough regulatory costs) to ensure quality control.
2. Low Costs of Violations, Encouraging Risk-Taking
The use of banned substances (such as formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide) is cost-effective and yields significant benefits. For example, using formaldehyde to preserve cabbage not only improves its appearance but also increases profits, often outweighing any potential fines. Even if caught, the penalties (usually administrative) are relatively minor, and criminal charges are rare (with only a few cases like the Yangmei incident leading to criminal prosecution). This situation creates a situation where violations are less daunting.
3. Passive Supervision, Slow Response
Many violations occur in rural areas or at the outskirts of cities, where regular inspections are scarce. Additionally, data on cross-regional food transactions is not shared, making it difficult to intercept problematic products in advance. Regulatory authorities often become involved only after the issues are reported by the media, leading to a "post-facto" approach.
4. New Vulnerabilities in the Online Space
Online food stores, delivery services, and live-streaming sales platforms have become increasingly problematic. Platforms typically only verify whether sellers have the necessary licenses but do not inspect the actual operating conditions (for example, a clean online image may not reflect the actual cleanliness of the premises). Some sellers use others' licenses to operate in different locations, and hosts do not verify the qualifications of their suppliers, making it easier to conceal violations.
Fundamental Solutions
1. Shift from Reactive Measures to Proactive Prevention at the Source
To solve these problems, we need to focus on standardizing food production:
- Promote large-scale production by integrating small farmers and workshops and establishing unified standards (e.g., through cooperatives or large-scale planting facilities).
- Implement a "place of origin certification" system, requiring producers to provide proof of compliance before their products can enter the market.
2. Increase the Cost of Violations
- Impose stricter penalties for violations, regardless of their severity. This includes both financial penalties and criminal prosecution. For instance, using formaldehyde to treat cabbage should result in significant financial losses and potential criminal charges.
- Simplify consumer rights protection mechanisms so that victims of food safety issues can easily seek compensation, making it more worthwhile for them to take legal action. This will deter sellers from engaging in illegal activities.
3. Social Collaboration and Platform Responsibility
Food safety cannot be achieved solely by the government:
- Industry Standards: Professional associations should set stricter industry norms, and the media should expose issues, while consumer organizations should conduct product evaluations to expose violations.
- Platform Accountability: Delivery and e-commerce platforms should regularly provide regulatory authorities with information about their sellers. If a seller is found to be using fake licenses or operating in a different location, the platform should be held accountable. This will encourage platforms to thoroughly verify their sellers' qualifications.
Conclusion
Food safety is not a matter of addressing individual incidents; it requires a comprehensive approach that involves controlling quality from the source, making violators pay a price, and engaging the entire society in supervision. While this cannot be achieved overnight, the right direction will eventually lead to tangible improvements in food safety.