Core Viewpoint - The conference organized by the China Food Science and Technology Society focused on ten major food safety and health issues, providing scientific guidance for industry development and regulatory improvement [1] Group 1: Food Safety Issues - The "water-retaining shrimp" incident highlighted the serious violation of food additive usage principles by involved companies, emphasizing the need for responsible and compliant use of food additives [2] - The introduction of new food labeling regulations aims to enhance transparency and consumer safety, including mandatory allergen labeling and an updated nutrition facts format [3] - The need for strengthened full-chain supervision in food safety was discussed, addressing regulatory gaps in transportation, delivery, and cross-border e-commerce [4] Group 2: Emerging Food Technologies - The approval of D-allohexose as a new food ingredient signifies advancements in synthetic biology technology within the food sector, indicating a mature application of these technologies [6] Group 3: Specific Food Safety Concerns - The issue of lead contamination in children due to illegal additives underscores the importance of strict adherence to food safety laws and the need for enhanced training and supervision in food handling [7] - The risk of botulinum toxin contamination from improperly processed foods remains a significant food safety concern, necessitating better control measures from production to storage [9] - The debate over the safety and nutritional value of long-shelf-life foods suggests that modern processing techniques can ensure both safety and nutrition [10] Group 4: Nutritional Needs and Market Opportunities - The concept of "age-appropriate foods" for the elderly is gaining attention, with a significant market demand for products that meet the nutritional needs of older adults, highlighting a gap in current market offerings [12] - The safety of campus dining is critical, with calls for improved raw material control and a comprehensive traceability system to ensure food safety for students [11]

Core Viewpoint - The recent release of 50 national food safety standards and 9 amendments by the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation introduces new standards for "expiration date" and "consumption storage period," impacting consumer behavior and food safety awareness [1][6]. Group 1: Understanding Expiration Dates - Expiration dates serve to inform both sellers and consumers about potential quality degradation and safety risks after the specified period [3]. - Most pre-packaged foods are required to display expiration dates, which are determined by manufacturers based on quality testing and industry practices [3]. Group 2: New Standards and Changes - The new standards include the adjustment of the term "expiration date" to "expiration date" for clearer consumer understanding [6]. - The format for marking expiration dates has been standardized to a clear year-month-day sequence, enhancing information visibility [7]. - The new standards encourage the indication of a "consumption storage period," allowing consumers to safely consume products beyond the expiration date if stored correctly [7]. Group 3: Common Misconceptions about Expiration Dates - Not all foods require an expiration date; some items like alcohol, salt, and sugar can be stored indefinitely due to their natural preservative properties [8][10]. - The length of an expiration date does not necessarily correlate with the amount of preservatives; it is influenced by the food's characteristics and storage conditions [10]. - Many manufacturers set expiration dates with a safety margin, meaning that products may still be safe to consume after the date if there are no signs of spoilage [13]. - Safety is not guaranteed simply by being within the expiration date; proper storage conditions must also be observed to prevent premature spoilage [14][15].