On October 11, 2024, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China (SAMR) issued a public announcement, seeking opinions from the society on the "Dosage Forms and Technical Requirements for Health Food Filing Products (2024 Edition) (Draft for Consultation)" and the "Regulations on Usable Auxiliary Materials and Their Use for Health Food Filing Products (2024 Edition) (Draft for Consultation)" (hereinafter referred to as the 2024 Draft for Consultation), aiming to promote high-quality registration management of health food, meet the diverse needs of the people, and foster the development of the broader health industry.

The 2024 Draft for Consultation builds upon the "Dosage Forms and Technical Requirements for Health Food Filing Products (2021 Edition)" and the "Regulations on Usable Auxiliary Materials and Their Use for Health Food Filing Products (2021 Edition)" by supplementing and refining the dosage forms (food forms) of related products and the corresponding technical requirements for auxiliary materials and dosage forms (food forms).

A highlight of the 2024 Draft for Consultation is the expansion of dosage forms for nutrient supplement-type health food filing products, incorporating food forms such as candies, beverages, chocolates, jellies, and powders that are easily accepted by the general population. The diverse dosage forms proposed in the draft fully consider the needs of various consumer groups. For instance, middle-aged and elderly individuals can consume health food through beverages and powders, which, to some extent, fulfills the nutritional supplement and health needs of the silver-haired generation and is more conducive to promoting the high-quality development of the silver economy and industry.

Furthermore, the food forms mentioned above all have specified suitable and unsuitable populations, as well as technical requirements for product processing and quality. The daily upper limit of sugar intake for these products is also stipulated, which not only ensures the stability of product quality during filing but also reduces the risks associated with excessive sugar intake, thereby better safeguarding consumer health.

The appendices of the 2024 Draft for Consultation provide detailed explanations on the dosage forms, technical requirements, usable auxiliary materials, and their use regulations for health food filing products. The deadline for public feedback on the consultation is November 11, 2024.

Read the announcement from SAMR: https://www.samr.gov.cn/hd/zjdc/art/2024/art_511dad039dc743cca794bdf5f7713d5b.html