Research On The Supervision Of Infant Formula Milk Powder From The Perspective Of Public Governance Theory

Formula milk powder is the necessary staple food for lots of infants and young children,and can be regarded as one of the "focus foods" which draws the highest social attention.The “melamine scandal” in 2008 brought Chinese infant formula milk powder to the forefront of public opinion,consumer confidence for domestic product once fell to the bottom,the related food safety supervision was also under blame.After the incident,the national regulatory authorities,through improving laws and regulations,strengthening supervision and inspection,increasing illegal costs and other ways,strive to improve the quality and safety of infant formula milk powder.After more than ten years of efforts,they have achieved remarkable results.At present,the quality and safety level of domestic infant formula milk powder continues to improve,and the market share gradually rises.There is a public opinion that the supervision of infant formula milk powder in China has been "close to full score".Is that the case? This paper takes the supervision of infant formula milk powder as the research object,adopts the public governance theory angle of view,carries on the comprehensive examination to present state of quality safety,the market occupation and the supervision situation of China-made formula milk powder.It is found that there are still many deficiencies in the current supervision of infant formula milk powder in China,which are mainly manifested in the lack of comprehensive system of laws and regulations,the lack of effective methods and means,and the limited role of social forces.These problems have a direct impact on the effectiveness of relevant government departments on the supervision of infant formula milk powder,and pose a challenge to the quality and safety of infant formula milk powder in China.The main causes of the problems are market failure and government failure.The former is caused by the profit-seeking nature of the production and operation enterprises and the information advantage they occupy.The latter is caused by the inadequacy of the government supervision work itself and the concerns about the participation of social forces in the supervision,as well as the lack of awareness and quality of social forces in the supervision.In view of this,under the guidance of the theory of public governance,this paper fully draws on the experience of infant formula milk powder supervision in developed countries in Europe and America,and puts forward the ideas and suggestions to solve the current problems and improve the supervision.To be specific,it is proposed to start with ideas and concepts to promote the transformation of regulatory work concept from "management" to "governance";to enrich regulatory subjects,on the basis of further strengthening the dominant position of the government,to stimulate the active role of enterprises,media,consumers and other multiple subjects,and toform a work pattern of joint management;to innovate the regulatory work mode,rationalize the regulatory work mechanism and strengthen supervision Team building,strengthening the whole process of supervision and the use of network information technology;improving the legal system,strengthening the legislative reform and implementation of the legal system.It is hoped that the relevant ideas and suggestions can provide enlightenment or reference for further improving the quality level of infant formula milk powder supervision in China.