Tracing back to the development of the QS logo, this blue and white logo was first put into use in 2004 as the English abbreviation of "Quality Safety". By the end of 2005, its scope of application was extended to all 28 categories of food, becoming an important guarantee for food safety. Starting from June 1, 2010, the meaning of the QS logo has quietly changed. Although the pattern has not changed, its connotation has changed from "quality and safety" to the pinyin abbreviation of "enterprise food production license".
The turning point of this change occurred in 2015. With the implementation of the new "Food Safety Law" and the accompanying "Food Production License Management Measures", it is clearly stipulated that the "SC" (pinyin abbreviation of "production") code should be used to replace the QS mark.To ensure a smooth transition, regulatory authorities have given a three-year buffer period to allow companies to digest inventory of packaging materials.
The new SC coding system consists of 14 digits, like the "ID card" of food: the first 3 digits represent the food category, the next 6 digits locate the location of the production company, the next 4 digits are the sequence code, and the last 1 digit is the check code. This coding method realizes the traceability of the entire food process and greatly improves supervision efficiency.
It is worth noting that although the QS logo has been abolished for many years, you may still find food bearing this logo in some small supermarkets or remote areas.. The market supervision department specially reminds: These products may be compliant products produced during the transition period, but there are also risks of using old packaging in violation of regulations or selling expired food. Consumers are advised to give priority to products with SC codes to ensure food safety. At the same time, food producers and operators should update packaging labels in a timely manner and strictly abide by the new labeling specifications.