NHFPC Updates Measures on New Food Raw Materials

Definition and scope

The novel foods include:

1. Animals, plants and microorganisms that are not traditionally consumed in China;

2. Raw food materials that are derived from animals, plants and microorganisms and are not traditionally consumed in China;

3. New varieties of microorganisms that are used during food processing;

4. Raw food materials, the original composition or structures of which are changed by the adoption of new techniques during production.

The new food raw materials refer to those without traditional eating habits： 

1. Animals, plants and microorganisms; 

2. Derivatives of animals, plants and microorganisms 

3. Any foodstuff, the original structure of which changes 

4. Other newly developed foodstuffs

The new Order further clarifies property and characteristics possessed by new food raw materials to avoid the registration of those food materials that are actually existing

Public consultation

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After application is submitted to the responsible authority (National Center for Health Inspection and Supervision under NHPFC), the department will invite public comments on this new food raw material and disclose its production techniques and adopted standards

With comments from the public, the registration of a new foodstuff will be more transparent.

Production supervision 

The health administrative departments under the previous MOH is in charge of overseeing the production of novel food

The NFHPC will no longer undertake the responsibility of food supervision

After institutional reshuffle, the supervisory duty of food production, circulation and catering service is integrated under China Food and Drug Administration

Penalty

The applicant is forbidden to reapply for his new food raw material within one year if providing fake information

Prevent this kind of illegal behaviors to ensure the quality of technical review and the product safety.