US FDA Rejects 40 Chinese Food Shipments in May Over Safety Concerns

In May 2025, the US FDA rejected 40 batches of food exports from China, citing reasons such as contamination, unsafe additives, and inaccurate labeling. Products included plant-based proteins, seafood, beverages, and dried fruits, with issues ranging from pesticide residues to unsanitary conditions.

Key examples include:

• Guangdong Foshan’s liquid beverage base (2 batches) was flagged for containing potentially harmful additives.
• Shandong’s enoki mushrooms were rejected due to Listeria contamination, while ginger from Weifang failed for being partially decayed or decomposed.
• Fujian’s black fungus (3 batches) and dried dates from Guangzhou were found unfit for consumption, containing unsanitary substances.

The FDA’s automatic detention and refusal mechanisms serve as warnings for exporters. Chinese companies are advised to register facilities, ensure compliance with US regulations, and address potential issues proactively.

The report also highlighted labeling errors, pesticide residues in strawberries and peppers, and contaminated products such as soft drinks and cookies. Notably, the FDA rejected oysters from Zhangzhou and vitamin products from Anhui, refusing inspection entirely.

As import regulations tighten, Chinese exporters should monitor US FDA alerts to avoid similar refusals, ensuring food safety and compliance for the competitive US market.