2024 China Food Law Recap: Key Changes from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake

This year, 2024, has seen exciting changes in China’s food regulatory system. The focus on food safety is stronger than ever. The government has introduced new guidelines for assessing safety in genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) used in food. They’ve also launched a new initiative to reduce fat, salt, and sugar in diets, which includes a front-of-pack nutrition labeling scheme to help consumers make better choices.

Let’s explore some important changes in food regulations in China this year. These updates could affect how businesses operate.

New Safety Evaluation Requirements are now in place for “three new foods,” which include new food ingredients, additives, and packaging materials. For the first time, companies must submit specific data when applying for approval if they use GMMs. This clarity in regulations offers businesses a straightforward path to getting the necessary approvals from Chinese authorities.

Approval of Ingredients and Additives continues to grow. The Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) approved 12 food ingredients and 28 additives in 2024. Although the total number of approvals has slightly decreased from last year, this is likely due to stricter review processes. There’s a notable trend where new nutrition fortification substances created with GMMs, like 2’-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose, were still reviewed and approved this year.

Food Labeling Regulations are also getting an update. The NHC and the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) have released two draft regulations for prepackaged food labels. These drafts aim to better manage food labeling, but there are some gaps that may lead to challenges in the future when final regulations are released, likely in 2025.

In August 2024, the government introduced a voluntary national standard for nutrition labeling on packaging. This guideline includes graphic symbols to indicate nutrition levels for different food categories, aligning with the “Healthy China 2030” initiative aimed at improving food quality.

Special Foods Regulations are evolving as well. Authorities are inviting health food producers to submit new health claims. This program allows the introduction of claims accepted globally but not currently permitted in China. Moreover, special foods in Hainan Free Trade Port now have modified regulatory processes that streamline imports for health foods and foods for special medical purposes, easing access for international manufacturers.

Focus on Alternative Proteins remains strong. China is working on new guidelines for cultured meat, aiming to establish clear regulations around it. In November 2024, a draft industry standard for plant-based foods was also introduced, marking progress towards a comprehensive regulatory framework for alternative proteins.

National Food Safety Standards continue to be refined. New testing methods and updated guidelines for food additives were published. One important update, the General Standard for the Use of Food Additives, will go into effect in February 2025. Businesses will need to review these standards to ensure compliance.

Consumer Protection Efforts have been strengthened. The Supreme People’s Court has clarified new punitive measures for food and drug cases to protect consumer rights better. This includes stricter penalties for fraudulent claims. Additionally, SAMR is working on a draft list to exempt first-time offenders from fines under certain conditions, which is expected to be finalized in 2025. These actions show the government’s effort to balance consumer protection with support for businesses.

Looking Ahead to 2025, China’s food regulatory landscape is set for more innovation. The Chinese General Administration of Customs is revising regulations to streamline registration for overseas food manufacturers. This is an important step for international partners looking to enter the Chinese market.