China to Start the Revision of Infant Formula National Standards

Takehome:

• The revision of infant formula national standards will be started, including the revision of protein indexes, optional substances, test methods, etc., which will greatly impact on the whole industry.

On Feb. 16, 2017, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) held a conference soliciting comments from industry experts regarding the revision of infant formula national standards. The CFSA will be the competent authority taking charge of the revision. As the market for infant formula is huge, the revision of infant formula standards will have a significant impact on infant formula manufacturers, traders and importers.

Currently, there are two relevant product standards for infant formula, which are:

• GB 10765-2010 National Food Safety Standard Infant Formula
• GB 10767-2010 National Food Safety Standard Older Infants and Young Children Formula

GB10765 is designed for infants aged from 0-6 months, while GB10767 standardizes infant formula from 6-12 months and young children aged from 12-36 months. There is some speculation that three standards will be used after the revision, one for each individual age group.

The indexes for protein for Stage II and Stage III infant formula in GB10767 will be revised. Optional substances for all three stages as well as the testing methods will be further adjusted in the new standards.

Reference link

CFSA Notification