China's Market Regulator Issues New Labeling Rules for Infant Formula, Clarifying Milk Source and Packaging Color Requirements
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On September 20, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released a Q&A document clarifying labeling requirements for infant formula foods. The Q&A specifies rules for production dates, shelf lives, allergen warnings, milk sources, and producer information for blended formulas. It mandates that any label adjustments must be filed with provincial-level market regulation authorities. Labels for products with the same formula from the same enterprise must have consistent content, format, and color. Claims about milk sources must be clearly stated, and differentiation through packaging colors or can shapes is prohibited. The Q&A also reminds manufacturers that infant formula produced before the implementation date of the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Food Labels (March 16, 2027) may not continue to be sold if their labeling violates prohibitive provisions, such as explicitly or implicitly claiming immune-boosting effects. However, products without such violations may be sold until the end of their shelf life.
Source report
People's Finance News, September 20 — On September 20, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the "Q&A on Labeling of Infant Formula Foods" (hereinafter referred to as the "Q&A").
Key Clarifications
The Q&A clarifies labeling requirements for the following aspects of infant formula foods:
- Production dates and shelf lives
- Allergen warnings
- Milk sources
- Information about producers of blended formulas
Labeling and Filing Requirements
- Any adjustments to labels must be filed with provincial-level market regulation authorities in accordance with the law.
- Products with the same formula from the same enterprise must have labels with consistent content, format, and color.
- If claims are made regarding the milk source, they must be clearly stated on the label.
- Differentiation through packaging colors (including can lids) or can shapes is not permitted.
Transition Period Guidance
The Q&A reminds manufacturers that infant formula foods produced before the implementation date of the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Food Labels (March 16, 2027):
- May not continue to be sold if their labeling violates prohibitive provisions of the regulations (e.g., explicitly or implicitly claiming immune-boosting effects, which are prohibited).
- May be sold until the end of their shelf life if there are no violations of such prohibitive provisions.
Source
证券之星-证券要闻Eastern
Part of this Story
China Bans Differentiated Packaging, Immunity Claims on Infant Formula Labels