{"id":44884,"date":"2023-07-13T18:08:01","date_gmt":"2023-07-13T18:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seoagencychina.com\/?p=44884"},"modified":"2023-07-15T17:10:40","modified_gmt":"2023-07-15T17:10:40","slug":"health-food-regulations-in-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seoagencychina.com\/health-food-regulations-in-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Food Regulations in China"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

China is one of the most promising and developed countries in the world. Thus, it represents a wonderful market to conquer for foreign companies. Chinese consumers are more and more concerned about their health and are paying attention to the food they eat. Therefore, the health food industry<\/a><\/strong> has been in constant growth these past few years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as it has generated a greater demand for health products, the Chinese government had to regulate this market in order to avoid sanitary and health issues for its citizens, by implementing strict regulations for companies wanting to sell health products in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it’s Important to Comply With Health Food Regulations?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consumer Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The regulations aim to protect consumers from unsafe, substandard, or misleading<\/strong> health food products. By setting strict standards and requirements for registration, manufacturing, and labeling, the regulations help ensure that imported health foods meet the food safety law of China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Product Quality and Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Health food regulations establish guidelines and requirements for manufacturing practices, ingredient sourcing, quality control systems, and testing procedures. These measures help maintain the quality and safety of healthy food products<\/strong> throughout the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mitigating Health Risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Health foods often contain bioactive substances and may interact with medications or have potential adverse effects if misused. Through the registration process, health food regulations enable regulatory authorities to assess the safety and potential risks<\/strong> associated with these products, ensuring that they are suitable for consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consumer Confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Clear and accurate labeling requirements, claims restrictions, and advertising guidelines<\/strong> promote transparency and prevent misleading or exaggerated claims about health food products. This helps build consumer trust and confidence in the industry and allows consumers to make informed decisions about the products they purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Well-regulated health food regulations provide a stable and predictable business environment<\/strong> for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. By ensuring compliance, these regulations support the growth and development of the health food industry in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Trade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Compliance with health food regulations is crucial for international trade. Aligning with global standards and requirements <\/strong>helps facilitate the import and export of health food products, promoting trade relationships with other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Health Food Market in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In China, health food and products are usually defined as products that have specific health functions or supply vitamins or minerals<\/strong>. With the goal of regulating the body’s function, healthy food can be considered suitable for specific groups of people. However, the purpose is to cure disease and should not have any acute, sub-acute, or chronic health effects on one\u2019s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Market<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, China’s functional foods market experienced significant growth, reaching approximately 298.9 billion yuan<\/strong>, an increase from the previous year’s 270.8 billion yuan. This expansion can be attributed to several factors, including rising disposable incomes and increasing awareness of the importance of a balanced and healthy diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As more Chinese consumers prioritize their well-being, the demand for functional foods has surged in recent years<\/strong>. This trend reflects a growing desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle and underscores the significance of the functional foods industry in China. Looking ahead, the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with positive projections until 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who are Chinese health food consumers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Following some serious scandals in the Chinese food market<\/strong>, Chinese people have become more concerned than before when it comes to food, especially in terms of health products. The Chinese government considers this market a serious and important issue, and that\u2019s why many regulations were introduced these past few years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of these regulations is to avoid any health safety issues and scandals<\/strong>. The main target of these health products is the elderly audience. According to a survey from the China Healthcare Association, the elderly account for more than 50% of the health food market<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"reasons<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Health Food Market During the Covid-19 Pandemic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many Chinese consumers, eating health products is a simple way to improve their general health and well-being, meeting nutritional deficits and providing a feeling of self-medication (even if it is not the purpose). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During Covid-19, for example, a lot of people were purchasing health products in order to \u2018protect themselves from being infected and for their immune systems. Moreover, given the emphasis on traditional medicine in China, vitamins and herbs are highly appreciated by the majority of the Chinese population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regulatory Authorities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is a key regulatory authority in China responsible for health food regulations<\/strong>. SAMR formulates policies, standards, and guidelines related to health food registration, manufacturing, labeling, and advertising. It plays a central role in ensuring consumer safety and product quality in the health food industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) is another important regulatory authority involved in health food regulations, particularly for products with functional claims<\/strong>. CFDA works closely with SAMR to establish standards and enforce regulations related to functional health foods. It contributes to the evaluation of efficacy, safety, and claims of healthy food products, aiming to protect consumer interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Health Commission (NHC)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The National Health Commission (NHC) collaborates with SAMR and CFDA to set standards and guidelines for health food regulations. NHC focuses on public health<\/strong> and plays a significant role in ensuring that healthy food products meet the necessary health and food safety standards. It works in conjunction with other regulatory authorities to promote consumer well-being and protect public health interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9 ChemLinked<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other Relevant Regulatory Bodies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to SAMR, CFDA, and NHC, other regulatory bodies may play a role in health food regulations in China. These bodies could include local health departments, trade associations, and research institutions<\/strong>. They provide expertise, guidance, and support in specific areas related to health food regulation and supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, these regulatory authorities, including SAMR, CFDA, and NHC, along with other relevant bodies, work collectively to establish and enforce health food regulations in China. Their collaboration ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of health food products and helps create a favorable regulatory environment for the health food industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Registration and Approval Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Categories of Health Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Health foods in China are classified into different categories: <\/p>\n\n\n\n