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China enforces strict regulations on ghost kitchens in food delivery apps

Jun 2, 2026, 7:56 AM10
(Update: Jun 2, 2026, 7:56 AM)
country in East Asia

China enforces strict regulations on ghost kitchens in food delivery apps

  • Chinese authorities have introduced new regulations requiring food delivery apps to verify restaurant licenses and physical addresses.
  • The crackdown on ghost kitchens was prompted by a consumer complaint about a cake order that led to investigations revealing widespread fraudulent practices.
  • These measures aim to enhance food safety and accountability in the competitive food delivery industry.
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In China, authorities have intensified their scrutiny of the food delivery industry, particularly targeting 'ghost kitchens'—takeaway merchants that operate without physical storefronts. This crackdown began after a complaint was lodged in Beijing regarding a cake order that was unsatisfactory, leading to investigations revealing that a popular cake chain had falsely claimed to operate nearly 380 locations without any actual stores. The investigation uncovered that these ghost kitchens often used forged business licenses and outsourced food orders to third-party vendors, raising significant food safety concerns. As a result, new regulations were introduced requiring food delivery platforms to ensure that restaurant listings correspond to actual physical locations and to disclose whether dine-in services are available. These measures aim to enhance food safety and accountability within the rapidly growing food delivery sector, which has been characterized by fierce competition and a troubling price war among major delivery apps. The State Administration for Market Regulation has already fined several e-commerce platforms, including Taobao and JD.com, for their involvement in ghost deliveries, totaling 3.6 billion yuan. In response to the crackdown, some merchants have begun implementing 'transparent kitchens' that allow consumers to view food preparation in real time, while others have signed agreements with major delivery platforms to improve food safety monitoring. This ongoing campaign reflects the government's commitment to regulating the food delivery industry and ensuring consumer safety amidst a landscape marked by aggressive competition and regulatory challenges.

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