Navigating Food Repackaging Regulations in China

Food repackaging generally refers to the process of transferring food products from their original bulk packaging into smaller, consumer-friendly packages or different containers. In China, a 2004 reply from the Ministry of Health regarding food repackaging and supervision states that the production date of repackaged food should correspond to the date of repackaging, whether the food is repackaged in its original form or with the addition of small amounts of other ingredients. Based on this, food repackaging can be understood as the redistribution of prepackaged food into smaller units, often involving simple handling or minor modifications, typically carried out in a controlled manner to ensure food quality. This article provides an overview of the regulatory requirements surrounding food repackaging in China.