(Yicai) Nov. 4 -- China’s government is seeking to beef up standards on pollutant emissions in the food processing and manufacturing industries, including those for vegetable oils and dairy products, Yicai has learned.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment found that the primary environmental problem with food processing and manufacturing is water pollution.

The ministry is seeking feedback on updated water pollutant discharge standards that aim to address the release of pollutants that are most notable in starch product manufacturing, livestock slaughter, and meat processing.

New businesses would be required to comply with the new standards starting from Jan. 1, 2026, and existing firms would need to follow them from Jan. 1, 2027.

The release of wastewater is also high in other areas, including vegetable oil processing, dairy product manufacturing, and the production of condiments and fermented products such as soy sauce and vinegar.

The wastewater is non-toxic but contains a large amount of biodegradable organic matter. When discharged into water bodies without treatment, it impairs water quality, pollutes the environment, and can pose health risks for humans and animals.

Editor: Tom Litting