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On Mar. 18, 2021, China NHC released the new national food safety standards for infant formula (GB 10765-2021), older infant formula (GB 10766-2021), and young children formula (GB 10767-2021). These 3 standards replace GB 10765-2010 and GB 10767-2010, and will be effective starting from Feb. 22, 2023.
Prior to the implementation date, enterprises are allowed and encouraged to follow the new GB standards. However, those requirements will become mandatory after the new GB standards come into effect, and products produced before the implementation date could still be sold before its expiration date.
Overall revision
A new product standard is released to regulate the technical requirements of stage 2 infant formula
Under previous regulation GB 10767 was an umbrella standard for both stage 2 and stage 3 formulae, but now the new standard GB 10766-2021 is exclusively set for infant formula of stage 2. In addition, the technical requirements of older infant formula approach that of stage 1 formula, which means that it will be subject to higher quality standard.
The nutrient composition is more suitable for Chinese babies
The protein level decreases because the global research showcased that excessive consumption of protein would do harm to babies’ health. Given such researches, Chinese authorities adjusted the nutrients composition and content to make it better satisfy the nutrition demand of Chinese babies.
Nutrient contents are adjusted to ensure efficacy and safety
The minimum and maximum level of nutrients are newly set or adjusted. On the one hand, nutrients added in formula milk powder should realize their physiological functions, however, it does not mean the more the better. Therefore, the maximum levels are stipulated to ensure the safety.
Cohesion with other GB standards
The maximum levels of contaminants, mycotoxin and pathogens should refer to corresponding GB standards such as GB 2762, GB 2761, GB 29921, and those data will not be detailed in the product standards.
Major amendments of each standard
The latest standard stipulates that for milk-based infant formula food, it is not allowed to use fructose or saccharose as the carbohydrate source, and the best substitute for that would be lactose. If it is used, lactose should account for at least 90% of the carbohydrate.
Choline becomes the essential substances considering its function of facilitating visual and brain development. Actually it has become a commonplace ingredient in Chinese infant formula market.
The new GB standard details the contents of Iron, Zinc and Phosphorus in bean-based infant formula (milk-based and bean-based products shares the same indicators before revision).
The minimum and maximum level of some nutrients are adjusted or newly added.
Raw materials and food additives used in stage 1 infant formula food cannot contain gluten.
This standard applies to older infant formula food (Stage 2: 6-12 months). Generally speaking, the technical requirements and nutrient level are closer to stage 1 formula, for example, raw materials and food additives used in stage 2 infant formula food cannot contain gluten; Choline is also the essential substance for stage 2 formula food.
The new standard stipulates that lactose should represent at least 50% of carbohydrate in milk-based young children formula food (excluding lactose free and low-lactose products).
The minimum and maximum level of some nutrients are adjusted or newly added.
Click the links below for the English translation of new GB standards for infant formula
GB 10765-2021 National Food Safety Standard Infant Formula (EN)
GB 10766-2021 National Food Safety Standard Older Infant Formula (EN)
GB 10767-2021 National Food Safety Standard Young Children Formula (EN)
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