China issues new rules to bust 'ghost' takeout deliveries

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BEIJING: China has introduced strict new regulations targeting the online food delivery sector to eliminate unlicensed ‘ghost’ kitchens. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced a comprehensive campaign to ensure all online food merchants maintain verified, physical operations.

The new framework places heavy responsibility directly onto internet delivery platforms. Under these rules, platforms are legally required to perform rigorous real-name authentication and address checks on every catering business listed on their apps. Delivery applications must immediately stop providing services to any vendor found violating local safety standards.

Additionally, the guidelines encourage local market authorities to implement transparent monitoring practices. In some provinces, food regulators are already requiring restaurants to install live video streams of their kitchens so consumers can monitor food preparation. The rules aim to protect consumer health amidst a rapidly growing digital food market.