China Launches Six-Month Influencer Food Crackdown

The State Administration for Market Regulation will deploy a six-month nationwide crackdown targeting illegal activities in the influencer-led food industry. The crackdown focuses on influencers who use deceptive practices to mislead consumers. The campaign will focus on false advertising, including claims that food can prevent or treat diseases, and the use of fake expert personas. Dong Honggang, deputy director of the Food Production and Operation Department of the State Administration for Market Regulation, announced a major crackdown on live-streamers using coded language to promote food products. China has launched its first national-level data management service platform to support artificial intelligence development. China's State Administration for Market Regulation is conducting a six-month special rectification campaign targeting false advertising in online food sales. Sun Huichuan, the food safety director, stated the crackdown will target three types of illegal activities. These include false claims that ordinary food can treat or prevent diseases, exaggerated health benefits for functional foods, and fraudulent advertising regarding food origins or ingredients. The initiative aims to regulate food producers and operators to ensure compliance with safety and advertising standards. Additionally, the campaign addresses platforms that permit or ignore false advertising. Additionally, platforms and institutions that permit or facilitate false advertising will face severe penalties. Chinese authorities have launched a campaign to crack down on food-related misinformation.