The rapid development of the food industry has led to growing consumer demand for food diversity, and traditional food ingredients can no longer satisfy modern consumers appetites. As a result, novel food ingredients have become the new darling of the food industry. However, their import compliance requirements pose a significant challenge forforeign tradeindustry practitioners. Dont worry—this article will break down the compliance requirements for importing novel food ingredients in a lighthearted and engaging way, helping you navigate these complex regulations with ease.

What Are Novel Food Ingredients?

With the evolution of Chinas novel food ingredient management system, the definition of novel food ingredients has undergone some changes. Simply put, novel food ingredients refer to the following items that have no traditional consumption history in China:

1. Animals, plants, and microorganisms;
2. Components derived from animals, plants, and microorganisms;
3. Food components with altered original structures;
4. Other newly developed food ingredients.

For enterprises looking to import these novel food ingredients, understanding these categories is crucial. For more details, please visitNovel Food Ingredient Inquiry Link.

Labeling Requirements for Novel Food Ingredients

1. Labeling Requirements in Ingredient Lists

According to the Food Safety Law of the Peoples Republic of China and the Administrative Measures for Safety Review of Novel Food Ingredients, if a food product contains novel food ingredients, its labeling must comply with national laws, regulations, and food safety standards. For example, for ginseng, the label should accurately identify it as ginseng (cultivated).,

2. Labeling of Consumption Limits and Unsuitable Populations

If a product contains specific novel food ingredients and national announcements specify consumption limits or unsuitable populations, these must be clearly indicated on the label. For instance, foods containing arabinoxylan should specify the recommended daily intake and note its unsuitability for infants, pregnant women, and other groups.

Safety Requirements for Novel Food Ingredients

New food ingredients must be non-toxic, harmless, and cause no acute or chronic harm to human health, while meeting nutritional requirements. Enterprises must provide safety assessment materials, such as component analysis reports, hygienic inspection reports, and toxicological evaluation reports, to demonstrate their safety.

Key Considerations for Enterprises Importing Novel Food Ingredients

When importing new food ingredients or food containing new food ingredients, enterprises must pay special attention to the accuracy of label markings, consumption requirements, and restrictions for unsuitable populations. Ensuring qualified Chinese labels are completed before product entry helps improve customs clearance efficiency. Additionally, for foods without national standards, enterprises must apply for administrative permits in accordance with relevant regulations.

Summary

As new food ingredients become a trend in the food industry, importers must ensure their products comply with a series of complex regulatory requirements. This article clarifies the definition of new food ingredients, label markings, safety requirements, and key considerations for importers. We hope this guide helps your business smoothly navigate import compliance challenges, ensuring every shipment enters the market safely and quickly.