导航菜单
This article provides a comprehensive overview of key regulatory developments in the food sector in January 2026, both in China and internationally. It focuses on updates related to new food ingredients, food additives, health foods, and feed, aiming to offer timely and in-depth regulatory alerts for enterprises engaged in food import and export.
🔘 China Approves New Health Function Claims to Support Bone and Joint Health
On January 15, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) officially added a new health function to the Health Function Catalogue Allowed for Health Food Claims - Helps Maintain Bone and Joint Health (Alleviates Pain or Stiffness/Alleviates Cartilage Damage).
This marks the first new function included in the catalogue following the release of the Administrative Measures on Directory of Health Food Raw Materials and Directory of Health Functions and the Detailed Rules on Implementation for Technical Evaluation of New Functions and Health Food with New Functions (Trial). See previous news.
🔘 37 Health Food Products Registered & 282 Notified in China
As of February 3, 2026, according to the official website of China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), a total of 37 health food approvals have been issued for 2026. Among these, 36 are domestic registered health food products, and 1 is an imported registered product. In terms of notification approvals, 281 are domestic health foods, and 1 is imported.
Source: https://ypzsx.gsxt.gov.cn/specialfood
🔘 China Releases New Q&A on Special Medical Purpose Formula Foods
On January 15, 2026, the Food Evaluation Center of China's SAMR officially released a new set of Q&A addressing Special Medical Purpose Formula Foods (FSMPs). The guidance covers key areas including formula design, labeling and instruction compliance, production process control, and quality and safety management.
Source: https://www.cfe-samr.org.cn/wtjd/tsyxytpf/cjwtjjdfw_91/pf/
🔘 China Issues New Review Rules for Infant Formula Liquid Milk Production License
On January 27, 2026, China's SAMR issued the Rules for the Production Licensing Review of Liquid Infant Formula Milk. The rules come into effect immediately upon release.
Source: https://www.samr.gov.cn/zw/zfxxgk/fdzdgknr/tssps/art/2026/art_f4dd77be04c54bdca749af4a7ee41a69.html
🔘 China Approves 7 New Feed Additives and Updates 3 Feed Ingredients
On January 6, 2026, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) issued Announcement No. 982, approving 7 new feed additive products, 1 feed additive product with significant changes in its production process, and 8 feed additives for expanded use. In addition, MARA updated the Catalogue of Feed Ingredients by adding 3 new ingredients and revising 1 existing ingredient. Certificates and supporting standards have been issued for the new feed additives, with differentiated monitoring periods established based on the characteristics of each product.
Source: https://www.moa.gov.cn/govpublic/xmsyj/202601/t20260112_6480569.html
🔘 China Strengthens Oversight of Live-Streaming E-commerce, with Implications for the Food Industry
On January 7, 2026, China's SAMR and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) jointly released the Administrative Measures for the Supervision of Live-Streaming E-commerce, aiming to strengthen regulatory oversight of live-streaming e-commerce, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of consumers and business operators, and promote the sector's healthy development.
The Measures comprise 67 articles and will take effect on February 1, 2026. They target four key market participants—live-streaming e-commerce platform operators, live-streaming room operators, live-streaming marketing personnel, and live-streaming marketing service institutions (MCN agencies)—by clarifying responsibilities, defining prohibited conduct, and enhancing regulatory mechanisms.
In addition, the Administrative Measures for the Supervision of Online Trading Platform Rules, also jointly issued by SAMR and CAC, will come into force on February 1, 2026, further strengthening the regulatory framework governing online transactions.
Given the extensive use of live-streaming sales in the food sector, the new Measures are expected to have direct compliance implications for product claims, advertising practices, and the respective responsibilities of brands, influencers, and platforms involved in cosmetics marketing.
Source: https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-01/07/c_1769516655383334.htm
🔘 China's Non-compliant Food Imports in December 2025
On February 2, 2026, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) released its list of non-compliant imported food products for December 2025. A total of 406 batches from 40 countries and regions were denied entry, representing a month-on-month decrease of approximately 9% (down 38 batches from 444 in November) and a year-on-year decline of about 12% (down 54 batches from 460 in the same period last year). See detailed analysis.
🔘 Taiwan Releases Guidelines for Safety Assessment of Novel Food Ingredients
On January 27, 2026, Taiwan officially issued the Principles for the Safety Assessment of Novel Food Ingredients, which came into effect immediately upon release. The regulation provides a comprehensive framework and standardized procedures for evaluating and approving food ingredients with no prior history of safe consumption in Taiwan.
Source: https://www.fda.gov.tw/tc/newsContent.aspx?cid=3&id=31400
🔘 Taiwan Updates Evaluation Method for Gastrointestinal Health Claims in Health Foods
On January 27, 2026, Taiwan issued an official announcement revising the Evaluation Method for Gastrointestinal Function Improvement of Health Foods and renaming it the Evaluation Method for Gastrointestinal Health Benefits of Health Foods, in accordance with Article 3, Item 2 of the Health Food Control Act. The revision takes effect immediately.
The announcement also clarifies that for health food registration applications submitted within two years from the effective date, studies initiated before the announcement may follow the previous evaluation method.
Source: https://www.fda.gov.tw/tc/newsContent.aspx?cid=3&id=31373
🔘 EU Approves Two New Flavouring Substances and Updates Existing Data
In January 2026, the European Commission issued two separate regulations amending Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, which governs authorised food flavourings in the EU.
1. EU Regulation 2026/172 - Adds 3‑[3‑(2‑isopropyl‑5‑methyl‑cyclohexyl)‑ureido]‑butyric acid ethyl ester to the EU list of authorised flavourings; Corrects the CAS numbers for four existing substances (FL Nos. 08.017, 08.127, 16.041, 16.132).
2. EU Regulation 2026/175 - Adds hesperetin dihydrochalcone to the EU list of authorised flavourings.
Both regulations take effect immediately.
Source:
1. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202600172
2. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202600175
🔘 EU Updates Rules and Specs for Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, and Other Additives
On January 28, 2026, the European Commission adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/196, revising usage rules and technical specifications for carrageenan (E 407), locust bean gum (E 410), guar gum (E 412), gum arabic (E 414), xanthan gum (E 415), pectins (E 440), and sodium starch octenyl succinate (E 1450).
A transitional period has been provided to allow food businesses, including SMEs, to adapt to the updated specifications, while products lawfully on the market before the regulation’s application may continue to be sold.
Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202600196
🔘 EFSA Confirms Safety of New 6′-SL (Sodium Salt) Novel Food
On January 30, 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a scientific opinion on 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL) sodium salt produced using a genetically modified Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 strain (INB-6SL_02), submitted as a novel food by Inbiose NV.
The product mainly contains the human-identical milk oligosaccharide 6′-SL (sodium salt), along with small amounts of D-lactose, sialic acid, 6′-sialyllactulose, and related saccharides. EFSA concluded that the production process, composition, and specifications do not raise safety concerns. Intake levels, comparable to already authorised 6′-SL products, are considered safe for the target population.
Source: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9856
🔘 U.S. Releases 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Published every five years, the guidelines provide authoritative advice on healthy eating patterns.
The latest edition emphasizes addressing public health challenges such as obesity and metabolic diseases, encouraging a shift toward natural, minimally processed foods, and reducing the intake of highly processed products.
Source: https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf
🔘 Virginia Enacts Baby Food Safety Law Requiring Heavy Metal Testing
In 2025, the Virginia General Assembly has passed the Baby Food Safety Act, effective 1 January 2026, requiring manufacturers to perform representative testing for heavy metals on every batch of baby food for children under two (excluding infant formula).
The law mandates testing for lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium at least once per month, with results publicly posted until one month after the product’s expiration date. Labels must include, if necessary, a QR code linking to test results and FDA guidance codes. Previously produced inventory may continue to be sold if it meets the requirements.
Source: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/press-releases-251230-new-baby-food-testing-and-labeling-law.shtml
🔘 Countdown Begins for FDA Self-GRAS Reform
On January 23, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its 2026 Human Foods Program priority deliverables, emphasizing key areas including food chemical safety, nutrition to reduce chronic disease, and microbial food safety.
Regarding GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substances, the FDA plans significant updates to strengthen oversight of how these substances are handled. The current voluntary GRAS notification program will be reformed, signaling potential changes to the long-standing self-affirmed GRAS pathway.
Source:
https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/human-foods-program/human-foods-program-2026-priority-deliverables
🔘 Canada Implements Mandatory Front-of-Pack Nutrition Warning Labels
As of 1 January 2026, the Canadian government requires food manufacturers to display front-of-pack nutrition warning labels on pre-packaged foods high in saturated fat, sugar, or sodium.
The regulation, issued by Health Canada, aims to help consumers make informed dietary choices and reduce long-term health risks associated with excessive consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium foods, including heart disease, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
According to Health Canada, the measure aligns Canada with other countries implementing similar front-of-pack nutrition labeling systems and forms part of the nation’s broader strategy to enhance nutrition transparency and public health awareness.
🔘 South Korea Updates Food Standards, Sets Production Criteria for Allulose
On January 13, 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued Notice No. 2026-1, revising the country's food standards and specifications. The updates will take effect on 1 October 2026.
The revision establishes clear production standards for allulose, specifying that it must be manufactured from fructose using alkaline or enzymatic methods, and that any microorganisms used during production must not remain in the final product.
Source: https://www.mfds.go.kr/law/board/boardDetail.do?menuKey=27&brdId=data0005&seq=14942
🔘 South Korea to Reassess Nine Health Functional Food Ingredients
On January 23, 2026, South Korea's MFDS announced plans to reassess the safety and functionality of nine health functional food ingredients in 2026, including turmeric extract.
The ingredients under reassessment include two publicly notified substances—hyaluronic acid and Rhodiola rosea extract—and seven individually approved substances: turmeric extract, Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17, boswellia gum, boswellia extract, Spanish licorice extract, green coffee bean extract, and bee pollen powder.
Since 2017, MFDS has implemented an annual reassessment mechanism for health functional food ingredients to ensure the safety and quality of products available to consumers. Ingredients are selected for reassessment if they have been approved for over ten years or if new safety or functional data emerges, with the final list reviewed by the Health Functional Food Review Committee.
🔘 Vietnam Requires Food Products to Declare Standards Before Sale
On January 27, 2026 , the Vietnamese government issued Resolution No. 66.13/2026/NQ-CP, establishing requirements for self-declaration of standards and product registration before food products enter the market. The resolution takes effect immediately.
Foods requiring declaration or registration before sale include, but are not limited to:
Processed and pre-packaged foods
Food additives and processing aids
Food-contact materials not covered by national technical regulations
Micronutrients, health functional foods, medical nutrition, foods for special dietary use, dietary supplements
Nutrition products for children under 36 months
Existing products have a 12–24 month transitional period to update declarations and registrations. After the transition, prior approvals cannot be used for new production or import, but previously manufactured or imported products may continue to be sold within their valid shelf life.
🔘 Vietnam Issues New Decree on Food Safety Implementation
On January 26, 2026, Vietnam has officially promulgated Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP, providing detailed regulations to organize and guide the implementation of the Food Safety Law. The decree takes effect immediately, replacing the previous Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP.
The decree specifies implementation measures for key provisions of the Food Safety Law, including:
Product declarations and safety assurance for genetically modified organisms (GMO)
Safety conditions for food production and trade, with particular emphasis on good manufacturing practices for health functional foods
National inspection requirements for imported foods, including simplified, routine, and rigorous testing methods, exemptions, and import/export procedures
Definitions and requirements for health supplements, medical nutrition, and foods for special dietary uses
🔘 Indonesia Seeks Public Input on Draft List of Medicinal Ingredients for Health Products
On January 29, 2026, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has launched a public consultation on the draft regulation titled "List of Medicinal Ingredients for Natural Medicines, Health Supplements, Quasi-Drugs, and Certain Cosmetic Preparations."
The draft aims to establish an official directory of permitted medicinal ingredients for these product categories, including 14 medicinal ingredients intended for oral health supplements, providing the industry with clear legal guidance and reference standards.
Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback by 10 February 2026.
*This article is compiled by ZMUni Compliance Center, based on the latest regulatory updates from food-related regulatory authorities/agencies in various countries/regions.
