导航菜单
On April 21, 2026, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) released its list of non-compliant imported food products for March 2026. A total of 445 batches from 37 countries and regions were denied entry, representing a a month-on-month decrease of approximately 2% (down 7 batches from 452 in February 2026) and a year-on-year increase of about 93% (up 214 batches from 231 in the same period last year).
The rejected shipments spanned a wide range of categories, including jams, alcoholic beverages, confectionery and chocolate products, frozen meat, poultry and seafood, nuts and nut products, beverages, baked goods, condiments, fruit products, and chocolate items.
By country of origin (in terms of number of rejected consignments), Brazil saw a significant increase and ranked first, followed by the United States and Argentina, with 79, 67, and 53 consignments respectively.
The primary reasons for denial of entry continued to be non-compliant labeling and discrepancies between goods and documentation, accounting for 24% and 22% respectively. Cases involving non-compliant furacilinum metabolite levels rose sharply compared to the previous month, reaching 36 consignments, while failures in sensory inspection decreased to 22 consignments. Other reasons included issues related to genetically modified ingredients, shelf life, and overseas manufacturer registration.
According to food import inspection data for March 2026, a total of 36 consignments of frozen chicken feet produced by various U.S. companies were denied entry, with a combined weight of approximately 855,650 kg. All cases were due to non-compliance with national food safety standards for nitrofuran metabolites.
Furacilinum, a nitrofuran antibiotic, was widely used in livestock and aquaculture due to its low cost and broad-spectrum efficacy. While the parent compounds are rapidly metabolized, their metabolites bind to proteins and form stable residues that can persist in animal-derived products. Therefore, detecting these metabolites is a reliable indicator of nitrofuran use.
Long-term intake of foods containing nitrofuran metabolites may lead to accumulation in the human body, potentially causing allergic reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms. More importantly, these substances are associated with carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic risks, with animal studies also indicating reproductive toxicity.
In China, according to the List of Prohibited Drugs and Other Compounds in Food Animals (Announcement No. 250 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), furacilinum is strictly prohibited for use in food-producing animals. Consequently, nitrofuran metabolites must not be detected in any animal-derived food products.
For importers:
Strengthen upstream control and ensure full compliance across the supply chain. In addition to managing risks such as veterinary drug residues and microbiological contamination during production, companies should also focus on regulatory requirements in target markets. Proactive risk screening can help prevent shipment rejection, protect brand reputation, and reduce trade risks.
For consumers:
When purchasing imported food, prioritize reputable retailers and authorized channels. Carefully check Chinese labels to ensure key information—such as ingredients, production date, shelf life, origin, and inspection/quarantine certificates—is complete. Avoid products without proper labeling or from unknown sources, especially fresh and ready-to-eat items.
For more information on China food compliance, including formula and label review services, please visit our food services pages or contact us at info@zmuni.com.
