China NHC Approves 20 New Food Raw Materials, Additives, and Food-Related Products

"On February 10, 2025, the National Health Commission (NHC) of the People's Republic of China issued Announcement No. 1 of 2025, approving a total of 20 products under the ""Three New Foods"" category. This includes five new food raw materials, eight new food additives, and seven food-related products. **New Food Raw Materials:** 1. **Stevia Polyphenols**: Extracted from stevia leaves, intended for use in various food products with a recommended intake of ≤500 mg/day. 2. **Lemon Myrtle Leaf**: Derived from *Backhousia citriodora* leaves, suitable for use in foods, excluding infants, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. 3. **Maqui Berry Anthocyanins**: Sourced from *Aristotelia chilensis* fruits, with a recommended intake of ≤900 mg/day, applicable in multiple food categories. 4. **Wheat Polar Lipids**: Obtained from wheat flour through ethanol extraction, intended for use in specific food products. 5. **Lactobacillus Fermentum**: A probiotic strain approved for use in fermented milk products. **New Food Additives:** 1. **Lutein Esters**: Used as a colorant in various food categories. 2. **D-Ribose**: Functions as a nutritional fortifier in beverages and dairy products. 3. **Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin**: Approved as a colorant for use in confectionery and beverages. 4. **Trehalose**: Utilized as a stabilizer and sweetener in baked goods and desserts. 5. **Pullulan**: Serves as a film-forming agent in food coatings. 6. **Gellan Gum**: Employed as a gelling agent in jellies and dairy products. 7. **Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate**: Functions as a leavening agent in bakery products. 8. **Monascus Red**: A natural colorant derived from *Monascus* species, used in meat products. **Food-Related Products:** 1. **Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)**: Approved for use in food packaging materials. 2. **Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)**: A biodegradable polymer suitable for food contact applications. 3. **Silicone Rubber**: Authorized for use in seals and gaskets in food processing equipment. 4. **Epoxy Resin Coatings**: Approved for lining metal food containers. 5. **Nylon 66**: Suitable for manufacturing food contact utensils and appliances. 6. **Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC)**: Used in food packaging films. 7. **Melamine-Formaldehyde Resin**: Approved for use in molded food contact articles. These approvals reflect China's ongoing efforts to expand and diversify its food industry, ensuring the availability of safe and innovative food products and materials. "