压实总部责任，连锁企业食品安全不容“甩锅”

Core Viewpoint - The proposed regulations aim to enhance food safety management responsibilities for food retail chain enterprises, addressing existing gaps in oversight and accountability [2][3][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The draft regulation consists of 34 articles that clarify management responsibilities, risk prevention requirements, and legal liabilities for food retail chains [2]. - It mandates a comprehensive food safety risk control system covering headquarters, branches, storage, distribution centers, and stores, with specific requirements for daily management, weekly inspections, and monthly assessments [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The rapid expansion of food retail chains has led to a lag in food safety management, particularly in franchise models where accountability is often diluted [2][3]. - Recent food safety incidents in franchise outlets highlight the consequences of insufficient oversight from headquarters and the pressure on franchisees to cut costs on safety measures [3]. Group 3: Accountability and Oversight - The regulations establish a tiered supervision mechanism, assigning responsibility to provincial, municipal, and county market regulatory authorities for different levels of the food chain [4]. - The new rules aim to eliminate the "franchise equals exemption" business model, ensuring that headquarters cannot transfer food safety responsibilities through contracts or disclaimers [3][4]. Group 4: Industry Impact - The regulations are expected to raise the bar for industry entry, promoting a shift from rapid expansion to a focus on quality and safety in the food retail sector [4]. - This transformation is anticipated to enhance the reputation and market trust of Chinese food retail brands, especially as they expand internationally [5].