(Yicai Global) Sept. 4 --The State Administration for Market Regulationrecentlymetwithfood-deliveryplatformsto discussthe safety of meals ordered onlineandimposed clear demandsforfurther implementation oftheentity responsibilitysystem.

SAMR's Vice Deputy Sun Meijunspokewithexecutives of MeituanDianping,Ele.meand other internetfood and beveragedeliveryplatforms.

The administrationinstructed theseoperators to complete self-inspectionsand correcttheirbranchrecordswithinonemonth to ensuretheircomplete rectification,andfinish the onsite inspection of online food and beverage service providersalsowithin a month to ensure theserunphysical stores and have obtained food operatorlicensesperlaw, SAMRannounced on itsofficial websiteyesterday.

The agencyalso directed these platforms toenhance thework management and food safetyknowledge andtrainingof delivery personnelto ensurefood arrives inclean containersandto safeguarditfromadulterationin transit, tokeepstrictlogsand encourage restaurants to seal and label food to realize the 'cleankitchenandstove'online program.

This actionwasoriginallyanoversightinitiativeby China'sformerFood and Drug Administrationthat letcustomerscheckover the internetwhetherkitchenemployeescompliedwith regulations, whether kitchen hygienewasacceptableand prohibited articleswere presentinfood preparation areas.

TheChinese government merged the CFDAwith the newly-established SAMR anddisbandedthe former on April 10, Taiwanese international food safety compliance firm Sinew Consulting Group reported on its website.

SAMR alsomandatedthatfood and beverage service platformstimely handleconsumer complaintsandrespond immediatelytomedia exposes ofproblemswithonlineorders. Food and beverage platformsmust also blacklistdisreputable suppliers andimmediatelyreportthemto regulators.

Takeaway platforms must also further perfect and implement complaint and report handling and reward mechanismsandencourage delivery personnel and food and beverageoperators to report violations offood safety laws and regulations.

Relevant regulators atvariouslevelsmustfurther stiffenfood safety rulesforonline food and beverage service platforms, supervise them more strictlyandpressthem toperformtheirentity responsibilities, the meetings also stressed. The platforms werealso ordered to inspect, superviseand manage onlinesellers, guarantee the food safety ofdeliveriesand constantlybearin mind the severe punishmentforviolations.

Editor: Ben Armour