A Practical Guide to Pre-packaged Food Formula and Label Compliance in China

Regulatory Background

According to the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, food producers and operators must strictly comply with laws, regulations, and food safety standards in their production and business activities. The use of non-food raw materials to produce food, or the use of food containing chemical substances other than food additives and other substances that may harm human health as raw materials for food production, is prohibited. Therefore, the primary responsibility of food production and business enterprises is to ensure that all ingredients used in their products meet relevant regulatory requirements.

Additionally, regulations stipulate that pre-packaged food must have labels that indicate the food name, ingredients, net content, and other information required by laws, regulations, or food safety standards. Therefore,  pre-packaged food formula and label compliance is essential for food producers and operators. The production and sale of pre-packaged food without labels or with labels and instructions that do not comply with the law are strictly prohibited. The compliance of labels directly affects the legality of a product’s market circulation and consumer trust.

Relevant Laws and Regulations

• Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China and its implementation regulations
• Administrative Measures for the Safety of Imported and Exported Food of the People’s Republic of China
• Administrative Provisions on the Registration of Overseas Food Production Enterprises for Imported Food of the People’s Republic of China
• National Food Safety Standard – Standards for the Use of Food Additives(GB 2760)
• National Food Safety Standard – Standards for the Use of Food Nutrition Fortifiers(GB 14880)
• General Standard for the Labeling of Pre-packaged Foods(GB 7718)
• General Standard for the Nutrition Labeling of Pre-packaged Foods(GB 28050)
• Labeling of Pre-packaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses(GB 13432)
• Announcements on the Approval of New Food Ingredients
• National Standards and Industry Standards for Food Ingredients
• Applicable Food Safety Standards and National Standards for Products
• Official Replies from Relevant National Ministries and Commissions

Workflow: Formula Compliance Review Services

• Product Classification: Analyze ingredients, processing methods, and usage to determine correct product categorization.
• Standard Identification: Identify applicable food safety standards, national regulations, and industry requirements.
• Ingredient Review: Verify ingredient legality, assess functional properties, and validate permissible usage levels.
• Compliance Recommendations: Provide advice in line with review results

Workflow: Label Compliance Review Services

• Formula Pre-Check: Ensure all ingredients comply with regulations before label drafting.
• Label Audit: Conduct a comprehensive audit of all label elements in accordance with applicable product standards.
• Compliance Recommendations: Provide advice in line with review results

REACH24H’s  Services

We have been deeply engaged in the field of food compliance for over a decade, with extensive expertise in the regulatory frameworks and practical requirements of various pre-packaged foods. We provide enterprises with comprehensive, reliable, fast, and precise compliance expertise during product formulation, selection, procurement, and other critical stages, helping businesses mitigate compliance risks at the source.

• Pre-packaged Food Formula Compliance Review Services: Review the compliance of ingredients and provide suggestions on implementation standards according to the latest regulatory requirements.
• Determination of Tariff Codes and CIQ Numbers for Imported Pre-packaged Foods: Professionally determine the HS codes and CIQ codes for imported pre-packaged foods, provide customs clearance compliance guidance, and assist in efficient product customs clearance.
• Chinese Label Draft Production: Accurately design label content and format that comply with regulatory requirements based on national standards and product characteristics.
• Label Compliance Audit Services: Conduct systematic reviews of existing labels, propose comprehensive modification suggestions, avoid risks such as incorrect or missing labels, and ensure that label content is complete and expressions are standardized.
• Food Regulation-related Consultation and Training

Why Choose REACH24H?

• Expert Team: Over 10 years of industry experience, having served over 1,000 enterprises.
• Efficient Response: Rapid feedback for routine consultations.
• Risk Prevention and Control: Prevent compliance issues from the source, and reduce subsequent rectification costs.

If you need support with any aspect of China’s pre-packaged food formula and label compliance services, our experienced team is here to help. Please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com.