Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Online Food Sales Operators in Implementing Primary Responsibility for Food Safety (SAMR Order No. 124).

These Provisions establish a comprehensive legal framework to ensure that online food sales operators in China assume full responsibility for food safety throughout the digital supply chain. They apply to third-party platforms and individual merchants selling food via websites or apps, emphasizing a management approach based on risk prevention and collaborative governance. The primary goal is to protect public health by requiring digital food retailers to meet the same stringent safety and transparency standards as traditional physical stores under the Food Safety Law.
Specifically, the Provisions mandate that platforms perform rigorous real-name registration and license verification for all listed merchants. Operators must appoint dedicated food safety officers, establish robust traceability systems, and maintain clear records of all transactions to facilitate rapid responses to safety incidents. Non-compliance can result in severe administrative penalties.