On June 14, an official notice was released jointly by China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), National Health Commission (NHC), and National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM), announcing the revision and formulation of the four documents below, which take effect on October 1, 2023.
Requirements for soybean protein isolate and whey protein are listed below.
1. Soybean Protein Isolate
Consumption range: Protein 6-25g
Suitable group: Immunocompromised adults due to insufficient protein intake
Unsuitable group: Children
Function: Enhancing immunity
Notes: The total daily consumption of protein for adults is recommended to be 60g; the daily consumption of soybean protein isolate can be adjusted within the consumption range individually. It is not recommended for people without significant lack of protein. People who are allergic to plant protein shall not use it. People with renal insufficiency should take the product with caution. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to consult clinicians and/or nutrition professionals.
2. Whey Protein
Consumption range: Protein 6-25g
Suitable group: Immunocompromised adults due to insufficient protein intake
Unsuitable group: Children
Function: Enhancing immunity
Notes: The total daily consumption of protein for adults is recommended to be 60g; the daily consumption of whey protein can be adjusted within the consumption range individually. It is not recommended for people without significant lack of protein. Those who are allergic to animal protein shall not use it. Those with renal insufficiency should take the product with caution. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to consult clinicians and nutrition professionals.
Impact analysis
Up until now, SAMR has approved seven ingredients with corresponding functions through notices. They are coenzyme Q10, melatonin, fish oil, reishi shell-broken spore powder, spirulina, and the two ingredients released this time (soybean protein isolate and whey protein). Since they are not vitamins nor minerals, they are outside the "Health Food Raw Materials Directory - Nutrient Supplement".
Please note that at present, the supervision of health food added with these functional ingredients as raw materials is subject to two situations. Locally produced products can obtain the "blue hat" certificate via filing, while imported products can only get the certificate through registration.
Therefore, in this piece of news, for overseas stakeholders who wish to use soybean protein isolate and whey protein as ingredients in health foods with immunity-enhancing function, a "blue hat" certificate must be obtained, with registration as the only method to gain it.
Source: SAMR and Chemlinked
Note: This article is compiled by Antion. Please indicate the source for reprint.