[Updated] China Updates the GB Standard for Beverage

On July 28, 2022, National Health Commission (NHC) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released GB 7101-2022 National Food Safety Standard Beverage. It replaces GB 7101-2015 and will come to effect on Dec. 30, 2022.

The following are the key amendments

The definition is detailed

The new standard clarifies the definition of beverage products. Additionally, the application scope expands to cover strain-added beverage, drink concentrates, beverage containing soybean protein, fruit and vegetables juice, etc.

The microorganism limit is revised

The limit of microorganism acceptance level for solid beverage is changed from 10³ CFU/g(ml) to 10⁴ CFU/g(ml).

The labeling requirements are clarified

Products containing strain should indicate that it belongs to active bacteria (unsterilized) or inactive bacterial (sterilized). The lactic acid bacteria level of active bacterial (unsterilized) products should be no less than 10⁶ CFU/g(ml), and the bacteria level should be labeled on the package.