Recently, Fuyang district in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, established a food safety supervision drivers team composed of 100 food delivery drivers, effectively enhancing the efficiency of online food safety supervision and promoting social co-governance in food safety.

In mid-July, the Fuyang district online delivery workers association, in collaboration with the district's food and drug safety office and the food safety supervision association, initiated the formation of the team, aiming to leverage the role of delivery drivers as "whistleblowers" in food safety matters.

"Before we established this team, some drivers and delivery stations had already contacted us about safety and hygiene issues in food delivery outlets," said Yu Yun, head of Fuyang's market regulatory administration's common prosperity team. As reports of issues increased, the administration recognized the need for a more systematic mechanism to gather information and address the problems, leading to the development of the district's pilot Delivery Driver Code platform.

Launched in 2023, the code serves as an electronic work ID for food delivery drivers. It combines the functions of an identification card, a regulatory certificate and a protection certificate, encompassing management platforms, direct welfare distribution, policy outreach and grassroots governance, with ongoing enhancements.

"The reporting process is very convenient; you simply need to take a photo, upload it, describe the issue briefly and indicate the store's location," said Qiu Lianke, a member of the food safety supervision drivers team in Fuyang.

Having delivered food in Fuyang for six years, Qiu is well aware of food safety issues.

"In the past, we often noticed problems but were unsure where to report them, or thought it was better not to get involved," he said. "Since becoming food safety supervision drivers, we feel a stronger sense of responsibility to live up to this role. Consumers appreciate knowing what we are doing," he said.

Yu said: "The Food Safety Supervision Drivers program is particularly beneficial because drivers have a professional advantage. They frequently visit food service locations, making them well aware of which stores maintain cleanliness and whether the food prepared meets safety standards."

The responsibilities of the members of the team include: collecting evidence of illegal activity, such as the use of expired or spoiled ingredients and non-food-grade substances; false advertising; inspecting fraudulent claims about food efficacy; reporting price fraud and the trade of wild animals; and providing feedback on management issues such as improper store licenses and poor hygiene conditions.

Once the supervision team members upload information regarding food safety issues, relevant authorities and the market regulation department in Fuyang will collaborate to investigate.

"We will complete investigations and announce confirmations of the reports within seven days, and rectify any problems within 30 days," said Fan Wenxiang, head of the food safety coordination department at the Fuyang district market regulatory administration.

In addition to Hangzhou, other regions are also exploring new models for food safety supervision. Cities such as Shenyang in Liaoning and Laixi in Shandong have begun hiring food delivery drivers as food safety supervisors, allowing them to report issues by taking photographs. Drivers who join the food safety oversight team can earn points, which can be exchanged for goods or used to participate in recognition programs, thereby gaining more respect and acknowledgment in their roles.

"In our daily interactions with food delivery drivers, we find that the relationship between drivers and food outlets is not equal. We hope that by empowering them as food safety supervision drivers, we can help them gain more respect and recognition in fulfilling their duties," Yu said.

chenye@chinadaily.com.cn