SAMR Consults on “Administrative Measures of the List of Non-Edible Substances That May Be Illegally Added to Foods”

As revealed by a notice released by State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Nov 30, 2021, China is now soliciting feedbacks on “Administrative Measures of the List of Non-Edible Substances That May Be Illegally Added to Food (Consultation Draft)”  (hereafter referred to as Administrative Measures). Any opinions can be sent to food@caiq.org.cn prior to Dec 30, 2021.

Major Content

The Administrative Measures discloses that SAMR together with National Health Commission (NHC) will formulate and release a list of non-edible substances that may have been illegally added to foods. In addition, the list will update dynamically.

For non-edible substances, they will be added into the list when meeting both of the following two conditions. First, there shall be clear scientific data proving that the substance is toxic, hazardous and may endanger human health. Second, the illegal addition of such substances into foods should be driven by economic interests.

What’s worth noting is that the list will not include substances

1. that have already been banned by Chinese laws and regulations, including but not limited to the pesticide and veterinary drugs banned by relevant department, as well as  other toxic substances;

2. that have corresponding requirements in relevant food safety standards or documents;

3. that are contaminated by the environment or naturally carried over by food ingredients.

For non-edible substances that are considered as being illegally added into food, the government will release the list, with an explanation of potential food categories that may be added to, corresponding test method for these substances, etc.

Stakeholders should pay more attention to the release of such non-edible substances and their corresponding test methods in the future.