Reflections and Perspectives on China's Food Safety Issues in the Context of Risk Society

Abstract

Despite the increasingly sophisticated management systems in China, food safety issues continue to be a persistent problem. This paper examines the underlying issues behind food safety regulation in China, focusing on the recent surge in incidents. Against the backdrop of a risk society, food safety issues have become a hot topic in Chinese society today. Our research on it should not only be limited to interpreting it as a shallow phenomenon of unscrupulous businessmen profiting at the expense of conscience, nor should it be simply attributed to the negative effects of modern food chemical technology development. Instead, we should start from the perspective of the theory of risk society to gain a more thorough understanding and comprehensive reflection. The backdrop of a risk society in transition, China's food safety problem has become increasingly severe. To better withstand risks and move towards a safer society, it is essential to fully recognize the importance of food safety and establish a scientific and reasonable system of risk governance through improving legal mechanisms, risk communication and interest mechanisms.