China's top market regulator has summoned executives of Walmart's Chinese operations over repeated food safety violations at Sam's Club stores and its online operations.

The State Administration for Market Regulation said on Monday that it had recently conducted a regulatory interview with executives of Walmart China, which operates Sam's Club in China, following what it described as a series of food safety issues discovered at both physical stores and online outlets over an extended period.

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During the interview, SAMR instructed the company to strictly comply with China's food safety law and all regulations governing chain food retailers and online food sales operators.

The administration further called on Walmart China to strengthen food safety awareness, fully implement its responsibilities as a food retailer, and improve risk prevention measures across the entire supply chain.

It also urged the company to enhance its food safety management systems and fulfill its corporate social responsibilities to safeguard consumer health.