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Compliance Guide to China's New Prepackaged Food Labeling Regulations: Classified Declaration of Ingredients

China's newly revised national food safety standard, General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025), clearly defines the scope of application and the forms of declaration for classified ingredient labeling, and enterprises may not extend the application of these rules to additional product categories on their own. Based on the requirements of the new standard, Foodmate has compiled the basic rules for ingredient classification together with common industry misconceptions, for the reference of overseas food enterprises that plan to enter or operate in the Chinese market. The national food safety standard General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025) specifies the scope and methods of classified ingredient declaration, which must not be arbitrarily expanded to other product categories. In line with the requirements of the new standard, Foodmate has sorted out the basic requirements and common misconceptions regarding ingredient classification for industry reference.

Oct 23, 2026

No Prescriptions, No Compulsory Purchases, Unified Management: China's New Rules for the Use of FSMPs in Medical Institutions Explained

On 3 September 2026, China's National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published the Guiding Opinions on Regulating the Use of Foods for Special Medical Purposes in Medical Institutions (Guo Wei Ban Shi Pin Fa [2026] No. 11; hereinafter referred to as the Guiding Opinions). The document was jointly issued by the two authorities on 6 August 2026 and establishes a systematic national framework for the selection, sale and use of foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) in medical institutions.

Oct 22, 2026

Comparison of Nutrition Labelling Requirements for General Foods in Mainland China and Hong Kong (Part 1)

In recent years, food trade between Mainland China and Hong Kong has become increasingly active, drawing growing attention from food importers and exporters to the differences between the two jurisdictions in prepackaged food labelling requirements.

Oct 21, 2026

Ten Years After Implementation, Major Revisions Proposed: Seven Key Changes to China's On-Site Inspection Requirements for FSMP Registration

On 14 September 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued a notice seeking public comments on the on-site inspection requirements and assessment criteria for the registration of infant formula and food for special medical purposes (FSMP). The revision updates the On-Site Inspection Requirements and Assessment Criteria for FSMP Registration Manufacturers (Trial) and introduces a draft version entitled On-Site Inspection Requirements and Assessment Criteria for FSMP Registration Manufacturers (Draft for Comments). The public consultation period ran until 14 October 2026. Foodmate has summarized the major proposed changes compared with the trial version to help FSMP registration applicants understand the implications.

Oct 20, 2026

EFSA's New Guidance for Food Additive Applications Takes Effect in July, Raising the Bar for EU Market Access

On January 20, 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its new Guidance on the scientific data requirements for an application for authorization of a food additive submitted under Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008. The guidance applies to applications for both the authorization of new food additives and modifications to the conditions of use of already authorized food additives. Its new data requirements became applicable to applications submitted from July 20, 2026. The guidance replaces the previous 2012 scientific guidance and introduces more detailed and updated requirements for the scientific information to be submitted by applicants.

Oct 19, 2026

U.S. Requirements and Regulatory Trends for Caffeine in Foods

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed central nervous system stimulants worldwide. As consumption of energy drinks, functional snacks and coffee-based beverages continues to grow, concerns over excessive caffeine intake and acute caffeine toxicity have attracted increasing regulatory attention in the United States.

Oct 16, 2026

Ten Expired Interim Marketing Authorizations Remain Valid! Canada Revises Interim Policy for Expired Interim Marketing Authorizations Related to Food Fortification

Recently, Health Canada has updated the Interim Policy on the Use of Expired Interim Marketing Authorizations Related to Food Fortification. It clarifies that pending completion of amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR), products complying with the requirements of the ten expired Interim Marketing Authorizations (IMAs) and Appendixs B, C and D may continue to be sold. FoodMate has summarized the policy background, scope of application and key compliance considerations for enterprises exporting food to Canada for reference.

Oct 14, 2026

Date Labeling on Prepackaged Foods

Food date labeling serves as a core carrier of freshness and safety information, directly affecting consumers' right to know and their freedom of choice. To ensure that date information is "visible, findable, and does not require calculation," the Measures for the Administration of Food Labeling (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures") and the national food safety standard General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025) have been aligned and implemented in tandem, setting forth new requirements for food date labeling. Foodmate has summarized the key requirements regarding legibility, designated area, and format of date labeling for industry reference.

Oct 13, 2026

An Analysis of Compliance Risks in Health Food Advertising in China: Regulatory Developments and Typical Cases in 2026

In recent years, the rapid growth of livestreaming, short-form videos and private-domain community marketing has significantly expanded the channels used to promote health foods in China. At the same time, advertising violations involving food and health foods remain prevalent, including marketing ordinary foods as health foods, exaggerating health benefits, and implying that products can prevent or treat diseases.

Oct 12, 2026

South Korea Implements Digital Food Labeling: How Should Exporters Respond?

As food labeling becomes increasingly digital worldwide, South Korea began allowing digital labels on domestically produced processed foods in 2024. In August 2025, it amended the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods to give digital labels a clear legal basis and extend their use to imported foods. Foodmate has summarized the key requirements for companies exporting food to South Korea.

Oct 10, 2026

Malaysia's Food Safety Assurance Programme for Imported Food Enters a Strict Enforcement Phase-Missing Certification May Result in Rejected, Disposed or Re-exported

On 8 September 2026, the Food Safety and Quality Programme of the Ministry of Health of Malaysia issued the Guideline on the Food Safety Assurance Programme for Imported Food, providing specific implementation requirements for the newly introduced "Food Safety Assurance Programme for Imported Food"under the Food Regulations 1985. The Food Safety Assurance Programme for Imported Food will officially take effect on 1 March 2027. To help businesses understand the key compliance points, Global Foodmate based on its previous interpretation and the official guideline, has summarised the certification recognition, document submission and buffer pathways that are of greatest concern to businesses exporting food to Malaysia.

Oct 09, 2026

UK releases allergen guidelines for food businesses

On July 31, 2026, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) released allergen guidelines for food businesses. Targeting food enterprises in the retail and catering sectors, the guidelines require them to provide consumers with allergen information and comply with labeling rules in accordance with food laws. It specifies that food businesses shall inform consumers whether the food they provide contains relevant allergen ingredients, pre-packaged food must be marked with an ingredient list on the packaging, and allergens contained in the product shall be highlighted every time they appear in the ingredient list, etc. Below, Global Foodmate will take you through the details.

Sep 29, 2026

Latest Developments in Foods for Special Medical Purposes: National Standard for Tumor Formula Takes Effect, Stroke Formula Standard Approved, and Progress of 12 Specific Nutritionally Complete Formula Foods

On September 2, 2026, China's first national food safety standard specifically for a type of specific nutritionally complete formula food, GB 31662-2025, National Food Safety Standard — Nutritionally Complete Formula Foods for Tumors, officially took effect.

Sep 20, 2026

Multiple Policy Measures Unlock Industry Opportunities as China's FSMP Sector Enters a Strategic Growth Window

Since the beginning of 2026, China's food for special medical purposes (FSMP) industry has entered a period of intensive policy development. From the issuance of three new national food safety standards for FSMPs, to the joint release by the National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of the Guiding Opinions on Regulating the Use of Foods for Special Medical Purposes in Medical Institutions, which addresses the "last mile" of hospital-based use, and further to the explicit call by seven government departments led by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) to "optimize the approval procedures for foods for special medical purposes and accelerate the approval of FSMPs for rare diseases," a coordinated package of policies is accelerating the release of new opportunities across the industry.

Sep 18, 2026

What Do We Know About Sweet Proteins?

Sweet proteins are a unique group of proteins found in nature that can be many times sweeter than conventional sugars. Most sweet proteins are plant-derived proteins. When consumed, they are digested into amino acids and generally contribute relatively little energy compared with sugars. As global consumption of added sugars continues to raise concerns about obesity and other chronic diseases, consumers are increasingly seeking to reduce their dietary sugar intake. With their high sweetness intensity and low caloric contribution, sweet proteins have therefore become an important area of research for the development of next-generation sweeteners.

Sep 17, 2026

Additive issues rank first, while non-conformity between goods and certificates as well as label identification problems are prominent!

On September 1, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of China released the information on food that was denied entry nationwide in July 2026. A total of ‌487 batches‌ of food failed to meet China's national food safety standards or relevant laws and regulations, covering categories such as aquatic products and their products, meat and meat products, alcoholic beverages, oils and fats and their products, as well as milk and dairy products. All the involved food has been legally disposed of through return or destruction. Compared with the 481 batches in July 2025, the quantity is basically at the same level. To help import enterprises avoid risks and improve compliance management capabilities, Global Foodmate has systematically sorted out and analyzed the relevant data for the industry's reference.

Sep 16, 2026

HACCP and GMP Are No Longer Just Added Advantages: Malaysia to Implement a New Food Safety Assurance Programme for Imported Food Malaysia has introduced the Food (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2026 [P.U. (A) 298]

Malaysia has introduced the Food (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2026 [P.U. (A) 298], which introduces a new Part IIB on the Food Safety Assurance Programme for Imported Food. The amendment was gazetted on August 26, 2026, and will come into operation on March 1, 2027.

Sep 10, 2026

35 Key Questions Addressed: Implementation Q&A on China's Food Labeling Supervision and Administration Measures Released

On August 28, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the Implementation Q&A on the Food Labeling Supervision and Administration Measures (hereinafter referred to as the "Implementation Q&A"). The Q&A addresses 35 key issues of concern to food businesses, including the relationship between the Food Labeling Supervision and Administration Measures (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures") and the National Food Safety Standard General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025), as well as requirements concerning date labeling, food names, producer information, and health food labeling. Foodmate has summarized the key points for reference by food businesses.

Sep 09, 2026

Compliance Guide to the New Requirements for Prepackaged Food Labels: Use of Images

The National Food Safety Standard General Principles for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025) makes clear that images used on food packaging are also subject to food labeling requirements. Article 3 of the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Food Labeling and Marking also includes "graphics" within the scope of food labeling and marking. Images on food labels include real photographs, illustrations, design drawings, and other illustrative patterns related to food ingredients or components. Appropriate use of images can help food manufacturers and operators present product information to consumers in a more intuitive manner. Based on the requirements of the new standards and regulations, Foodmate has summarized the specific requirements for the use of images on prepackaged food labels for industry reference.

Sep 08, 2026

Compliance Guide to the New Labeling Requirements for Prepackaged Foods: Declaration of Microbial Strains

With the increasingly widespread use of microbial strains in food production, the proper declaration of microbial strains has attracted close attention from food businesses. The newly revised National Food Safety Standard — General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025) (hereinafter referred to as "GB 7718-2025") sets out specific requirements for the declaration of microbial strains in prepackaged foods. Foodmate has summarized the key compliance requirements for microbial strain labeling under the new standard for industry reference.

Sep 04, 2026

Major Compliance Alert: U.S. Proposes to Eliminate the Self-GRAS Pathway

On August 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a request for comments proposing to eliminate the voluntary self-determined Generally Recognized as Safe (Self-GRAS) pathway. Under the proposal, when a manufacturer determines that a substance added to food is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), it would generally be required to submit a GRAS notice to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The comment period will remain open through December 9, 2026.

Sep 02, 2026

Compliance Guide to the New Labeling Requirements for Prepackaged Foods: Nutrition Claims and Nutrient Function Claims

On supermarket shelves, nutrition claims such as "high in calcium," "low fat," and "sugar-free" are ubiquitous. Nutrition claims serve as an important reference for consumers when assessing the nutritional characteristics of food and making purchasing decisions. The newly revised National Food Safety Standard — General Standard for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 28050-2025) sets out specific requirements for nutrition claims and nutrient function claims. Foodmate has summarized the definitions, labeling rules, and requirements for the use of nutrition claims and nutrient function claims for industry reference.

Sep 01, 2026

AI Endorsements No Longer Beyond Regulatory Reach: South Korea Proposes Equal Penalties for AI-Generated and Real Expert Advertising and Adds Four New Allergens

On August 7, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released a draft partial amendment to the Enforcement Rule of the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods, Etc. for public consultation through September 17, 2026. The proposed amendment was drafted pursuant to the amendment to the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods, Etc. (Act No. 21707), passed by the National Assembly on May 26, 2026. It aims to establish specific administrative penalty standards for new forms of inappropriate advertising involving AI-generated content while also expanding the scope of mandatory allergen labeling.

Aug 28, 2026

New Compliance Guidelines for Prepackaged Food Labeling Regulations: Contract Manufacturing

Food contract manufacturing has become a common production mode in China, owing to its advantages such as rational allocation of resources, lower investment costs, higher operational efficiency, and shorter time-to-market. To a large extent, it has promoted the development of the food industry. The Supervision and Administration Measures for Food Contract Manufacturing, the Supervision and Administration Measures for Food Labeling, and the National Food Safety Standard – General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025) are interlinked and implemented as a complementary set, clarifying new requirements for labeling in contract manufacturing. Foodmate has compiled the relevant requirements for labeling under contract manufacturing for the industry's reference.

Aug 27, 2026

Review of Major Overseas Microbial Food Safety Events in the First Half of 2026: Where Are the Key Compliance Thresholds?

During the first half of 2026, foodborne outbreaks and food safety incidents associated with pathogenic microorganisms continued to pose significant public health challenges in major overseas markets. The incidents reviewed during the period involved pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and Clostridium botulinum, with affected products ranging from infant formula and dairy products to meat products, fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods.

Aug 25, 2026

Analysis of Labeling Requirements and Key Compliance Points for Sports Nutrition Food

With the growing public health awareness and the advancement of nationwide fitness initiatives, the population of physically active individuals continues to expand, and demand for sports nutrition food keeps rising accordingly. The National Food Safety Standard General Rules for Sports Nutrition Food (GB 24154-2015) has been in force for over a decade. During this period, China's domestic sports nutrition food market has grown from a niche professional segment into a blue-ocean consumer market valued at tens of billions of yuan. The labeling of sports nutrition food serves the dual purpose of communicating the product's core value to consumers and functioning as a key criterion for determining compliance during customs sampling inspections and market supervision enforcement.

Aug 21, 2026

EU Tightens Maximum Levels for 3-MCPD, Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters, Furan and Methylfurans in Infant and Other Foods

On 30 July 2026, the European Commission adopted two measures amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food. The measures address maximum levels for 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs), as well as furan and methylfurans.

Aug 19, 2026

UK plans to relax alcohol-free drink labeling threshold, raising ABV from 0.05% to 0.5%

Currently, the UK's "alcohol-free" beverage labeling threshold stands at 0.05% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), the strictest standard globally. The UK government has launched a consultation as part of its 10-year health plan to raise this threshold to 0.5% ABV, aligning it with most European countries and international standards. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed in July 2026 that the proposed change is under review. If implemented, the revised labeling threshold could directly impact businesses exporting non-alcoholic beers, ciders, wines, and similar products to the UK. Global Foodmate has compiled relevant information for reference.

Aug 18, 2026

Compliance Guide to the New Requirements for Nutrition Information on Prepackaged Food Labels in China

The nutrition information panel on a food label provides consumers with quantitative information about the nutritional characteristics of a food and serves as an important reference when making food choices. Accurate and accessible nutrition information is also important for improving public nutrition literacy and promoting the Healthy China initiative.

Aug 12, 2026

South Korea's New GMO Labeling Rules May Take Effect Earlier Than Scheduled for Sugars and Edible Oils

On August 5, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released a draft revision of the "Labeling Standards for Genetically Modified Foods, etc." The most notable change is the proposed acceleration of the mandatory GMO labeling requirement for sugars and edible oils — moving the implementation date forward by a full year, from December 31, 2027, to December 31, 2026. Should the revision be adopted, manufacturers of these products will lose their one-year transition period and will be required to comply with the GMO labeling regime at the same time as soy sauce products.

Aug 11, 2026

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