China to Revise Labeling Requirements for Prepackaged Foods

Takehome:

• “GB 7718-2011 National Food Safety Standard General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods” will be revised soon, and the labeling obligations for food enterprises will also be changed accordingly.

GB 7718 National Food Safety Standard General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods is the overarching regulation for the standardization of food labeling in China, which is of great importance to domestic enterprises as well as overseas food enterprises. China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) announced on Apr. 12, 2017 that the current 2011 version of GB 7718 will be revised in the near future. A questionnaire has been designed by the government to seek the opinion and comments from global food enterprises (please find the link here). (Chemlinked can also act as advocate to submit feedback and suggested amendments of the new standard on behalf of our clients.)

According to the Annual Report for China Blacklisted Food Status in 2016, among all the imported prepackaged foods that were returned or destroyed at port in 2016, 15% of them failed the inspection due to incorrect labeling, which was a major reason for noncompliance. Therefore, all food enterprises are advised to pay close attention to changes in their obligations under the updated standard.

Other important standards for food labeling:

• GB 13432-2013 National Food Safety Standard Labeling of Prepackaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses
• GB 28050-2011 National Food Safety Standard General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods
• GB 29924-2013 National Food Safety Standard General Standard for the Labeling of Food Additives

Reference link

CFSA Announcement