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The impact of food safety regulation on the health of middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from Chinese food safety pilot cities

Author

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  • Mingcong, Chen
  • Qingshan, Ma
  • Qiqi, Sun

Abstract

Food safety is crucial for the health of middle-aged and older population. This paper aims to assess the impact of Food Safety Model Cities (FSPCs), implemented in batches in China, on the health of middle-aged and older adults. The analysis uses data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011-2018, which employed a multi-stage sampling method. The study applies the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) method to comprehensively explore the effects of FSPCs on health outcomes. The findings reveal that, first, FSPCs significantly reduced the likelihood of chronic diseases among middle-aged and older adults, effectively improving their overall health. The effect varies based on factors such as age, place of residence, whether or not individuals live with children, and personal experiences of famine. Second, FSPCs enhanced the daily living skills, cognitive abilities, and self-reported health of middle-aged and older adults, although they had no significant impact on mental health. Third, FSPCs reduced health deprivation and mitigated health inequalities among the population. This paper offers policy implications for further improving the health of middle-aged and older adults through the development of FSPCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Mingcong, Chen & Qingshan, Ma & Qiqi, Sun, 2025. "The impact of food safety regulation on the health of middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from Chinese food safety pilot cities," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 1182-1197.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:86:y:2025:i:c:p:1182-1197
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2025.04.001
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    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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