SAMR Released the Regulations on Food Labelling

"To regulate food labeling, strengthen the supervision and management of food labels, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has formulated the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Food Labeling following the laws and regulations such as the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Implementation Regulations of the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China. These measures were officially released on March 27, 2025. The main contents of these regulations are as follows: - Scope of application: The labeling of food and food additives produced and sold within the territory of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter collectively referred to as food) and their supervision and management are subject to these measures. - Food labeling refers to the text, symbols, numbers, patterns, and other explanations displayed on the labels, instructions, and containers or outer packaging of prepackaged food and bulk food to inform consumers about the food and its producers and operators. - Food labeling shall not include the following contents: (a) Any reference to disease prevention or treatment functions; (b) False descriptions made in a deceptive, misleading, or exaggerated manner; (c) Content that violates scientific common sense, goes against public order and good morals, or promotes feudal superstitions; (d) Any claim of being “for special supply to,” “exclusively for,” or “internally supplied to” Party and government organs or the military; (e) Other content prohibited by laws, regulations, rules, and national food safety standards. Except for health foods, no other food shall claim to have health functions (effects) in their labeling. - Food labeling shall not claim that the food is suitable for minors to consume without basis in laws, regulations, rules, national food safety standards, or industry standards, thereby deceiving or misleading consumers. - The measures consist of seven chapters: General Provisions, General Provisions for Prepackaged Food Labels, Special Provisions for Special Food Labels, Requirements for Food Sales Labeling, Supervision and Administration, Legal Liability, and Supplementary Provisions. The regulation will take effect from March 16, 2027"