No more confusion? Manufacturers of ‘solid beverages’ in China must change product labels from June 1

By Tingmin Koe

- Last updated on GMT

There have been instances of 'solid beverages' being marketed as infant formula in China. ©Getty Images
There have been instances of 'solid beverages' being marketed as infant formula in China. ©Getty Images

Related tags Labelling Infant formula FSMP

Manufacturers of ‘solid beverages’ will need to follow a set of new rules, such as changing their product labels, to prevent consumers from confusing them as health foods or infant formula, said the Chinese authorities.

In China, ‘solid beverages’ are defined as general foods prepared by processing raw food materials and food additives into powder, granules or lumps.

They are not the same as health foods or infant formulas, but there has been reports of consumers confusing it with infant formulas. 

To avoid confusion among consumers, companies manufacturing ‘solid beverages’ will need to adhere to four new rules from June 1, China’s State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) announced.

First, all existing ‘solid beverage’ products will need to undergo product label changes by clearly stating that they are ‘solid beverages’ – with font size not smaller than the other words printed on the same side of the label.

These products are also not allowed to share similar names as other special foods products such as health foods, infant formula, and foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs).

Companies can check the suitability of their product names on SAMR’s special dietary food enquiry system.  

Second, on the same side of the packaging where the product is labelled as a ‘solid beverage’, the warning statement “this product cannot replace FSMPs, infant formula, health foods, and other special foods” ​should also be printed.

This rule is applicable to the smallest possible sales units of all ‘solid beverages’ and the statement should take up no less than 20 per cent of that particular side of the packaging.

Third, the product labelling, as well as its user manual and promotional materials should not have words or pictures to convey, to hint, or to stress that the product is suitable for use by a minor, elderly, pregnant woman, patient or people with risk of malnutrition.

Companies are also not allowed to claim or hint that the product could prevent or treat diseases or could provide functional health benefits for individuals with special needs.

All ‘solid beverages’, including protein ‘solid beverages’, plant-based ‘solid beverages’, flavoured ‘solid beverages’, and ‘solid beverages’ added with live bacteria are required to follow these rules.

Lastly, all manufacturers of ‘solid beverages’ are required to adhere to food safety laws and production standards.

These manufacturers should also possess the necessary production and quality testing capabilities to ensure food safety.

‘Solid beverages’ which have not yet conformed to the new rules but are manufactured before June 1 can still be sold in the market until their date of expiry.

The SAMR announced these new regulations​ after concluding a public consultation​ last year.

Related topics Policy Beverages China East Asia

Related news

Related products

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Content provided by Agilent Technologies | 06-Nov-2023 | Infographic

Microplastics are any plastic-derived synthetic solid particle or polymeric matrix, ranging in size from 1 µm to 5 mm and insoluble in water.

Mastering taste challenges in good-for-you products

Mastering taste challenges in good-for-you products

Content provided by Symrise | 12-Sep-2023 | White Paper

When food and beverage manufacturers reduce sugar, salt, or fat and add fibers, minerals or vitamins, good-for-you products can suffer from undesirable...

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Content provided by Glanbia Nutritionals | 06-Jul-2023 | Product Brochure

High growth ahead for protein beverages makes Asia Pacific (ASPAC) the market to watch. Consumer research shows new usage occasions, key consumption barriers,...

The latest plant-based beverage trends in SEA

The latest plant-based beverage trends in SEA

Content provided by Tetra Pak | 27-Mar-2023 | White Paper

Data shows that consumers’ liking and thirst for plant-based beverages is growing rapidly, especially in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia....

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Food & Beverage Trailblazers

F&B Trailblazers Podcast