In recent years, the continuous improvement of health awareness and environmental protection concepts has made the trend of "plant-based" foods sweep the world and become a major highlight in the food industry. But what exactly is the definition of plant-based food? What is the current situation of production licenses and implementation standards for this type of food in China? What is the current situation of international standards for plant-based foods? Next, Foodmate will take you to explore these topics.

I What are plant-based foods?

In China, although plant-based foods have not yet obtained an official and clear definition, on May 27, 2024, the industry standard for the "General Principles of Plant-based Foods (Draft)" was publicly solicited for opinions. The standard mentions that plant-based foods are those that use plant ingredients (including algae and fungi) or their products as sources of protein, fat, etc., with or without the addition of other ingredients, and are processed through certain techniques to have similar quality characteristics to foods of animal origin in terms of texture, flavor, and form. These foods cover multiple categories such as plant-based meat products, dairy products, egg products, frozen desserts, etc., which not only meet consumers' nutritional needs but also cater to their pursuit of food diversity.

II Issues Regarding the Production License and Standard Application of Plant-based Foods in China

In China, the food safety regulations and national standards in the field of plant-based foods have not yet formed a complete system, and only a few group standards have been introduced to provide guidance for the production of enterprises. 

Taking plant-based meat products as an example, the standard "Plant-based Meat Products" issued by the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology clarifies the requirements for raw materials and processing techniques, providing a basis for enterprises to apply for food production licenses. 

At the same time, China's existing food production and operation regulatory system can also relatively comprehensively cover plant-based foods made from beans. For example, the production categories of bean-based meat product manufacturers belong to other bean products under the classification catalog of China's food production licenses; the scope and limits of food additives allowed for use should comply with the relevant provisions of GB 2760-2024 "National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Food Additives" for new bean products; the final product should comply with the relevant provisions of GB 2712-2014 "National Food Safety Standard for Bean Products"; label identification should comply with the relevant provisions of GB 7718-2011 "National Food Safety Standard for General Principles for Prepackaged Food Labels". These standards not only ensure the safety of products but also provide protection for consumers' choices. 

Therefore, gaining a deep understanding of China's production licensing process and standard application for plant-based foods is not only crucial for local enterprises, but also provides clear compliance guidance and market entry strategy references for imported plant-based food brands intending to enter the Chinese market.

III The current status of international standards for plant-based foods

Internationally, the standard system for plant-based foods is being gradually improved, aiming to clearly define such foods and safeguard market order and consumer rights. Among them, ISO 23662:2021 issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides specific technical requirements for vegan foods and ingredients, labeling, and claims.

Countries are actively responding by introducing plant-based food-related standards, including product standards and certification standards.

For example, the Plant based Foods Association (PBFA) in the United States has implemented voluntary standards for labeling plant-based milk, meat, and yogurt since 2018, stipulating requirements for product identification and introducing the "Plant-based Foods Certified" logo to enhance consumer trust. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States released the "Draft Guidance for Industry: Labeling of Plant-based Milk Alternatives and Voluntary Nutrient Statements" in 2023 to help consumers make more informed health choices.

The Plant-based Foods Canada (PBFC) works closely with PBFA in the United States to provide certification services for plant-based food claims in the Canadian market.

In the UK, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has published the BSI PAS 224: 2020 standard, which provides a clear definition for 100% plant-based foods. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has also released the "Plant based Global Standard" aiming to provide a framework for manufacturers producing vegan and vegetarian products.