Big data to help ensure food safety in Beijing

BEIJING -- Beijing Municipal Commission of Commerce said Sunday that new technology such as big data and cloud computing will be applied to ensure food safety in Beijing.

The commission said the city is exploring and working with enterprises to set up a food traceability system, so that all stages in the food supply chain can be tracked. The system will cover food production, processing, packaging, delivery and sales.

The commission has signed a strategic agreement with Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com to carry out cooperation in food traceability. Some departments have also worked with influential time-honored brands to establish a food traceability system.

As of the end of 2017, Beijing's pork and vegetable supply chains had 1,778 and 2,383 traceability points, respectively. The figures will increase to 1,900 and 2,600 in 2018.