As a policymaker, how would you regulate the superfood market?

Okay, if I were a policymaker tackling the current "wild growth" of the superfood market, my approach would look something like this. I'll try to keep it simple and straightforward.

My core philosophy boils down to just eight characters: Tell the Truth, Safety First.

We can't let people waste their hard-earned money and possibly get sick, nor should we take a one-size-fits-all approach that suppresses genuinely good products. Therefore, I'd tackle it from these three angles:

一、Rein in Promotional Claims: Demand Evidence-Based Marketing

The biggest problem right now is exaggerated claims – sellers singing their own praises with wild abandon. Terms like "miracle cancer cure" or "secret to longevity" sound utterly unrealistic. Step one is regulating marketing.

1. Ban the Casual Use of "Superfood"
- I'd push for regulations: if you want to print the words "superfood" on packaging or claim "super" benefits, fine, but you must provide proof. Not testimonials from some influencers, but scientific research reports recognized by the scientific community.
- For example: Just like a drug requires clinical trial data to prove it treats a headache, a food product claiming specific health benefits must have "scientific data" to back it up. Can't provide that? Then sell it as a regular food – no special privileges.
2. Establish Blacklists and Whitelists for Marketing Language
- Blacklist: Explicitly ban words like "treat," "cure," or "prevent [specific disease]." Food is food, not medicine. Use these terms? Face heavy fines that truly hurt.
- Whitelist: Create scientifically-backed phrases that are permitted. For instance, "Rich in Vitamin C, which may help boost immunity" – a scientific consensus – is okay. But "Eat this and become immune to all toxins"? That's pure hype, and unacceptable.
3. Hold Claimants Accountable
- Responsibility shouldn't just lie with manufacturers. Anyone promoting the product shares liability. If a celebrity endorser, influencer, or advertiser pushes false claims, they bear joint responsibility. This makes people think twice before spreading misinformation in ads.

二、Enhance Transparency: Empower Consumer Awareness

Just controlling marketing isn't enough. Consumers need the tools to make informed choices themselves. Information asymmetry is a major cause of consumer harm.

1. Clearly Label the "Super" Element
- I'd mandate that any food claiming "super" status must clearly state, in plain language on the most visible part of the packaging, exactly what makes it "super".
- For example: A blueberry product can't just vaguely say "super antioxidant." It must specify "Contains XX mg of anthocyanins per 100g." This lets consumers immediately see how much of the "super" ingredient it actually contains and whether it's worth the price. Just like buying an appliance with an energy rating label, we need a "Nutritional Highlight Label" for superfoods.
2. Official Science-Based Public Education
- I'd direct government health authorities and market regulators to collaborate on sustained public education campaigns through diverse channels like short videos, official social media accounts, and community workshops.
- Content Focus: What is a balanced diet? What are essential nutrients? Don't fall for any single "miracle food"; the real "superfood" is the diverse, balanced meals on your family table. Debunk common marketing myths.
3. Create a Simple Reporting Platform
- Set up an easy-to-use reporting tool via a WeChat mini-program or app. Anyone spotting a product making false claims could snap a photo and submit it instantly. Make the complaint process and resolution outcomes transparent, turning the public into watchdogs.

三、Ensure Safety Shielding: Zero Compromise on Security

No matter how fantastical the claims, food safety is always paramount.

1. Stricter Entry Requirements and Surprise Inspections
- For high-priced, novel "superfoods," especially imports, I'd establish much stricter entry hurdles. Mandatory pre-sale testing for harmful residues (pesticides, heavy metals, microbes) must be rigorous.
- Post-market, ramp up surprise inspections. Don't test once a year; conduct frequent, unscheduled checks by purchasing items from supermarkets and online shops. Any violation? Immediate nationwide recall and delisting, coupled with public exposure.
2. Implement "Farm to Table" Traceability
- Use QR code technology to give every package of "superfood" its own "ID card." One scan by a consumer shows the product's origin, ingredients, testing records, and journey.
- The advantage: If a problem arises, the source is pinpointed instantly for targeted action, preventing widespread panic. Consumers buy with much greater confidence.

Summary of My Approach

In essence, my regulatory strategy isn't about crushing the superfood industry indiscriminately. It's about squeezing out the hype and false promises.

Rein in Claims to stop deceptive marketing.
Enhance Transparency so consumers see clearly.
Shield with Safety to guarantee secure consumption.

Ultimately, the goal is to restore rationality to the market. Good products should win consumers based on solid quality and genuine nutritional value, not lofty marketing fairy tales. And our individual health fundamentally depends on science-based, balanced eating habits – not pinning hopes on a single "magic bullet."