Based on the data collected in the food field during the "11th Five-Year Plan",this paper outlines the general food safety situation in China,ranging from industry development,food safety evaluation,regulations,product standards,policy making,policy implementation,to reported food safety crisis.This paper argues that it is highly demanded to have an objective,comprehensive and scientific understanding on the food safety issue in China,aiming at improving the food safety status quo.Expect for the government-enforced actions on food safety problems,it is also suggested that risk communication,citizen participation,improved authority system,a solid surveillance system and on-farm food safety management might be essential for building a science-based policy making system,in order to turn the food safety strategy from crisis response to risk management. <<