Since the implementation of the new national standards, the formula registration of infant and young children formula milk powder has progressed smoothly. As of now, a total of 1127 formulas have been registered.
The new national standards for infant and young children formula food (hereinafter referred to as the new GB) were announced on February 22, 2021. According to the relevant food safety regulations, all infant and young children formula milk powder enterprises should develop and adjust their formulas according to the new GB and re-register. For this reason, the new GB set a 2-year transition period, officially implemented in 2023. Currently, a total of 1127 formulas have been approved for registration, including 926 domestic and 201 foreign ones. 441 formulas have not been registered or have not passed the evaluation. The national market for infant formula milk powder is stable, public opinions reflect positively, and the quality and safety remain stable. The qualified rate of sampling inspections has reached 99.9% in the past three years, indicating significant achievements in the registration work according to the new GB.
Infant formula milk powder registered according to the new GB presents three major characteristics: First, the product formula is more scientific. Enterprises increase research and development investment according to the requirements of the new GB, absorb the latest research results of infant and young children nutrition at home and abroad to optimize formula design, fully consider the growth and development characteristics of infants and young children of different ages in China, and adjust the nutrient composition and content. For example, in infant and older infant formulas, "choline" has been changed from an optional ingredient to a necessary ingredient; the requirement for lactose content has been increased in young children formula; the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) added to all formulas has been increased, making the formula more scientific. Secondly, the labeling is more standardized. The new GB for infant formula registration prohibits any nutrient claims for infant formula for 0-6 months, and prohibits claims of essential nutrients such as iron and zinc for infant formula for above 6 months; for all products marked as infant formula sheep milk powder, their raw milk, milk powder, whey powder and other milk proteins should source from sheep; infant formula produced using "base powder" as raw material through dry process cannot be marked as fresh milk. Thirdly, it is more effective to promote development. The new GB set higher requirements for enterprises, leading some enterprises with weak research and development capabilities or weak market competitiveness to voluntarily withdraw from the infant formula industry. Approximately 20 domestic and foreign enterprises have not submitted or have withdrawn their registration applications, and the registration according to the new GB has played a positive role in reshaping the industry landscape and promoting high-quality development.
Source: SAMR
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