Core Viewpoint - The transition from regulation to legal governance is essential for food safety, aiming to create a cooperative game scenario that balances legitimate rights and mitigates preventable negative externalities [1][6]. Group 1: Food Safety Regulations - The State Administration for Market Regulation has approved the first national standard for campus catering service management, providing standardized guidance for compliance management in this sector [2]. - The management guidelines cover various aspects including menu planning, raw material management, food processing, meal preparation, delivery, service evaluation, and emergency handling [2]. - The guidelines emphasize centralized procurement for bulk commodities like rice, flour, and oil, enhancing control at critical points in the supply chain [2]. Group 2: Legislative Framework - China's food safety has gained significant attention, with the Food Safety Law implemented in October 2015 establishing the guiding principle of "the strictest standards" [2]. - The inclusion of food safety in the comprehensive evaluation system for leadership in 2019 and the release of the "Opinions on Deepening Reforms to Strengthen Food Safety Work" further solidify the commitment to food safety [2]. - The "Quality Strong Nation Construction Outline" in 2023 calls for the deep implementation of food safety strategies and the promotion of food safety assurance projects [2]. Group 3: Governance Challenges - Despite legislative and enforcement efforts, food safety issues persist, largely due to a prevailing mindset focused on control rather than governance [3]. - The reliance on punitive measures and regulatory control often leads to a reactive approach, which may not effectively address underlying issues [4]. - Acknowledging that food safety governance is a collective decision-making system is crucial, moving beyond mere punishment to foster a cooperative governance environment [4][5]. Group 4: Collaborative Governance - Strengthening the mutual support and checks among economic and social entities is vital for building an open governance system [5]. - Enhancing collective litigation, evidence presentation, and dispute resolution mechanisms can empower consumers to protect their rights effectively [5]. - Transitioning from regulation to legal governance is necessary to ensure that all food safety issues receive a firm commitment to accountability and transparency [5][6].