This article provides a comprehensive overview of key regulatory developments in the food sector in July 2025, 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 Food Regulatory Updates

Three New Foods

🔹China grants first approval for D-Allulose as a new food ingredient

On July 2, 2025, the National Health Commission of China officially approved 20 substances as "Three-New Food", including 5 new food ingredients, 9 new food additives, and 6 new food-related products. Among the highlights is the long-anticipated D-allulose. See previous post.

🔹China consulted on 7 new food ingredients and 10 new food additives

New Food Ingredients

New Food Additives

In July, ZMUni released two recap articles summarizing China's new food ingredient and new food additive updates in H1 2025 (data up to June 30), offering practical compliance insights for food companies.

• New Food Ingredient Applications Updates in China — First Half of 2025

• New Food Additive Applications Updates in China — First Half of 2025

Special Food

🔹China responded to public consultation on the joint health function claim for health foods

On July 2, 2025, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released feedback on the draft functional claim "Aids in Maintaining Joint Health" under the Catalog of Permitted Health Claims for Health Foods. A total of 61 public comments collected from April 16 to June 2 were reviewed, and reasonable suggestions have been adopted. The next steps will follow regulatory procedures.

🔹Taiwan added "Joint Health" as a recognized health function for health foods

On July 3, 2025, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration officially updated the Items of Health Care Effects According to the Health Food Control Act, adding "Joint Health (Knee)" as the 14th recognized health function.

🔹China launched an evaluation for inclusion of three substances in health food notification catalogue

On July 21, 2025, China SAMR commissioned the Chinese Nutrition Society to launch a comprehensive four-dimensional evaluation of inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and resistant dextrin for their inclusion in the Catalog of Health Food Notification. The evaluation is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Food Standards

🔹China unveiled 2025 Food Safety Standards Project Plan, covering 44 items...

On July 25, 2025, China's National Health Commission issued the 2025 National Food Safety Standards Project Plan, covering a total of 44 food-related standards. Among them, 21 are new standards to be developed, while the rest are revisions of existing ones. In terms of classification, the plan includes: 1 general standard for food claims, 11 for food additives, 4 for food products, 1 for production and operation specifications, 1 for food-related products, 13 for physicochemical testing methods and procedures, 9 for microbiological testing methods and procedures, 1 for toxicological evaluation methods, and 3 for nutritional fortification substances.

GACC Updates

On July 17, 2025, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) released the list of non-compliant imported food in June 2025. A total of 485 batches of non-compliant imported food were detected at ports across the country in May, due to issues related to safety and hygiene, labeling, and food additives. This represents a 4% increase from the previous month and a 13% rise year-on-year. For detailed compliance explanation, see previous report.

International Food Regulatory Updates

European Union

🔹EU approved health claim for green kiwifruit

On July 30, 2025, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1560, officially authorizing a health claim for green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa “Hayward”). The approved claim reads:“Consumption of green kiwifruit contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency.”This claim applies only to fresh green kiwifruit, either whole or peeled and/or cut, with an intake of at least 200 g of fruit flesh per day, consistent with scientific substantiation and EFSA's positive evaluation.

Official source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_20250156

🔹Authorizations, Amendments & Reviews of Novel Foods in the EU (July 2025)

• Potassium Magnesium Trichloride Hexahydrate Authorized as a Novel Food

On July 24, 2025, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1530, authorizing the placing on the market of potassium magnesium trichloride hexahydrate as a novel food and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. The application was submitted by BK Giulini GmbH, a member of the ICL Group, on December 21, 2018.

Official source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202501530

• Tiger Nut Oil Authorized as a Novel Food

On July 24, 2025, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1528, authorizing Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) oil as a novel food and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. The application was submitted by Tigernuts Traders, SL on October 29, 2020.

Official source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202501528

• Schizochytrium limacinum (ATCC-20889) Oil Authorized for Infant Formula Use

On July 23, 2025, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1515, authorizing Schizochytrium limacinum (ATCC-20889) oil as a novel food and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2470. The application was submitted by BioPlus Life Sciences on May 24, 2023. Under Article 27(1) of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, the applicant has exclusive rights to market this oil for five years. The oil is approved for use in infant and follow-on formula as defined in Regulation (EU) 609/2013.

Official source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202501515 

• Clarifications on Use Levels of DHA/EPA and 3-FL in Specific Food Categories

On July 29, 2025, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1549, amending two prior regulations:

(1) Regulation (EU) 2017/2470: Sets the use level of DHA- and EPA-rich oil from Schizochytrium sp. in food supplements for children aged 18 months to 18 years at 250 mg/day.

(2) Regulation (EU) 2023/2210: Establishes the maximum level of 3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL) in foods for special medical purposes intended for infants, aligned with the upper limit authorized for infant and follow-on formula: 1.75 g/L.

Official source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202501549  

• Phytosterol Specification Adjusted - Maximum Level Increased

On July 22, 2025, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1509, amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 by increasing the maximum allowed content of "other sterols/stanols" in plant sterol/stanol products from 3.0% to less than 7.0%. Under Article 27(1) of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, Advanced Organic Materials SA has exclusive rights to market this ingredient extracted from sunflower plants for five years.

Official source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202501509

🔹European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Updates

1. EFSA Published Three Scientific Opinions on Novel Foods in July 2025:

• Inulin Propionate Ester: Given that propionic acid and its salts were previously assessed by the EFSA ANS Panel (2014) and extensive safety data exist for inulin, the panel concluded that genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity studies are not required for this novel food. Under the proposed use conditions, inulin propionate ester is considered safe for the general population.

        Official Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9534

• Synthetic Cannabidiol: The applicant failed to provide requested supplementary data (including identity, production process, compositional data, specifications, genotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and human data), so EFSA could not confirm the safety of this novel food.

        Official Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9527

• Magnesium Lactate Dihydrate: The applicant has not provided any toxicological data to address safety concerns regarding this novel food or magnesium lactate. The panel concluded that safety cannot be established under the proposed conditions of use.

        Official Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9528

2. EFSA Public Consultation PC-1537 on β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

From July 22 to December 8, 2025, EFSA is conducting a public consultation on the novel food application submitted by SyncoZymes (Shangai) Co., Ldt. for β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Under Article 32c(2) of the Novel Food Regulation (GFL), EFSA is collecting scientific data, studies, and supplementary information from stakeholders to support a comprehensive safety assessment and authorization review of NMN as a novel food.

Official Source: https://connect.efsa.europa.eu/RM/s/consultations/publicconsultation2/a0lTk0000055GcL/pc1537

3. EFSA published 10 opinions primarily related to food enzymes in July 2025

In July, EFSA published 10 opinions primarily related to food enzymes. One notable reassessment concerns neotame (E 961) as a food additive: based on 52-week chronic and 104-week carcinogenicity studies in rats, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was determined as 1000 mg/kg bw/day, leading the panel to recommend an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 10 mg/kg bw/day—significantly higher than the current EU ADI of 2 mg/kg bw/day. The panel suggests the European Commission consider revising neotame’s EU specifications accordingly.

Official Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9480

4. EFSA issued 19 scientific opinions on feed additives in July 2025

In July, EFSA issued 19 scientific opinions on feed additives, including:

• Safety and efficacy of a feed additive containing gum arabic for all animal species (applicant: A.I.P.G. - Association for International Promotion of Gums).

• Safety assessment of a folic acid feed additive for aquatic species (applicants: Chr. Olesen A/S and DSM Nutritional Products Ltd).

• Safety and efficacy of a Thymus serpyllum L. (wild thyme) tincture feed additive for all animal species (applicant: FEFANA asbl).

• Evaluation for renewal of authorization for the feed additive β-carotene (3a160(a)) for all animal species (applicants include BASF SE, DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Europe-Asia GmbH, JYB Europe BV, and NHU Europe GmbH).

United States

🔹FDA approved Gardenia Blue as new color additive

On July 14, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) petition to use genipin-derived gardenia blue as a color additive in a wide range of food products. Its use must comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. This marks the fourth natural-source food color approved by the FDA in the past two months.

Official source: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-gardenia-genipin-blue-color-additive-while-encouraging-faster-phase-out-fdc-red-no-3

🔹FDA proposed to revoke 52 outdated food standards

On July 22, 2025, the FDA announced its proposal to revoke 52 obsolete standards of identity for various food categories—including canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, and macaroni products—stating that these standards are no longer necessary.

Official Source: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-revoke-52-obsolete-standards-identity-food-products?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Brazil

 🔹Brazil updated food additive regulations

On July 3, 2025, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) issued Regulatory Instruction No. 380/2025, amending Instruction No. 211/2023 (originally published on March 1, 2023), which sets out the technical functions, maximum limits, and conditions of use for food additives and processing aids authorized for use in foods. The latest amendment affects several food categories, including:

•  Meat and meat products

• Fruit jellies and aspics

• Liquid dietary supplements

• Solid and semi-solid dietary supplements

• Non-alcoholic soy-based beverages

 Official Source: https://anvisalegis.datalegis.net/action/ActionDatalegis.php?acao=abrirTextoAto&tipo=INM&numeroAto=00000380&seqAto=000&valorAno=2025&orgao=DC/ANVISA/MS&codTipo=&desItem=&desItemFim=&cod_menu=1696&cod_modulo=134&pesquisa=true

Asia-Pacific

🔹Malaysia proposed amendments to food regulations

The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) has proposed amendments to several regulations under the Food Act 1983. The draft revisions include:

• Schedule 12A of the Food Regulations 1985: Addition of Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 (also known as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI378) under the Lactobacillus group.

• Provisions on non-nutritive sweeteners in the 1985 Regulations.

• Regulations relating to cocoa and cocoa products.

• Regulation 282: Pertaining to milkshakes.

• Regulations governing packaged drinking water.

• Food Irradiation Regulations 2011.

• Food (Fees for Food Analysis) Regulations 2016.

Official source: https://hq.moh.gov.my/fsq/seranta-awam-atas-talian-2025

🔹Vietnam proposed stricter oversight of functional foods and infant nutrition

On July 3, 2025, Vietnam's Ministry of Health launched a public consultation on a draft revision of Decree No. 15 on food safety management. The proposed changes aim to tighten regulation of functional foods, medical nutrition products, and foods for infants under 36 months, covering the entire lifecycle from R&D to market entry. Companies will be required to fully disclose ingredients, intended use, and supporting scientific evidence to ensure transparency and safety.

Official source: https://vfa.gov.vn/tin-tuc/thong-bao-noi-dung-du-thao-nghi-dinh-sua-doi-bo-sung-mot-so-dieu-cua-nghi-dinh-so-152018nd-cp.html

🔹Vietnam notified WTO of draft law on Halal products and services

On July 24, 2025, Vietnam's Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) authority notified the WTO of a draft Decree on Halal Product and Service Quality Management. Led by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the proposed law aims to establish a unified legal framework for the quality, certification, labeling, and trade of halal products and services in Vietnam.

Official source: https://eping.wto.org/en/Search/Index?countryIds=C704&distributionDateFrom=2025-02-01&viewData=G%2FTBT%2FN%2FVNM%2F353

🔹Indonesia issued Halal self-declaration guidelines for MSEs

In July 2025, Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) released Decree No. 146/2025, clarifying the requirements, standards, and procedures for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) to obtain halal certification via self-declaration. The new technical guidelines apply to:

• MSEs in the food and beverage sector

• Halal product processing assistants

• Other relevant supporting entities

Official source: https://cmsbl.halal.go.id/uploads/146_2025_Kep_Ka_BPJPH_Petunjuk_Teknis_Layanan_Permohonan_Sertifikasi_Halal_atas_Produk_yang_Tidak_Wajib_546bcae1d3.pdf

🔹India tightened e-commerce food safety requirements

On July 8, 2025, India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) held a meeting with representatives from over 70 major e-commerce platforms. FSSAI’s CEO emphasized that strict compliance with food safety regulations is critical in the rapidly growing online food market. Key directives issued include:

• Displaying FSSAI license/registration numbers on all receipts, invoices, and cash memos.

• Including information about the Food Safety Connect App on consumer-facing documents.

• Disclosing details of all associated warehouses and storage facilities on the FoSCoS platform.

• Exploring the option to display "expiry/use-by dates" on consumer interfaces.

Official source: https://fssai.gov.in/upload/press_release/2025/07/686de1a02fceePress%20Release%20e-commerce%20Meeting.pdf

🔹Australia TGA proposed amendments on Vitamin B6 scheduling

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued an interim decision notice and public consultation (deadline July 27, 2025) on pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine — different forms of vitamin B6. The proposal aims to reclassify oral formulations containing vitamin B6 at doses of 50 mg/day or less as general retail medicines. The decision also includes safety and consumer awareness measures, such as limiting certain vitamin B6 products to pharmacy-only sales.

Official source:

https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/publication/scheduling-decisions-interim/notice-interim-decision-proposed-amendments-poisons-standard-relation-pyridoxine-pyridoxal-or-pyridoxamine-vitamin-b6-acms-46-november-2024

🔹FSANZ published amendment No. 240 to Australia New Zealand food standards code

On July 22, 2025, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) published official amendments related to the following applications and proposals:

• A1279 – Shiitake mushroom mycelium as a processing aid

• A1307 – Milk fat globule membrane as a nutrient in infant formula

•  A1308 – 2'-FL from genetically modified E. coli W in infant formula

• A1310 – Food derived from insect-resistant soybean line MON94637

• A1311 – Prolyl oligopeptidase from genetically modified Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid

• P1064 – Australia's sole infant formula product standard

Official source: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-standards-code/gazette/amendment-no-240

🔹FSANZ Calls for public comment on A1333: Purple Tomato Line Approval

On July 30, 2025, FSANZ issued Notification Circular 351-25 to seek public input on application A1333 for the sale and use of the genetically modified purple tomato line Del/Ros1-N. This tomato has increased anthocyanin content, resulting in a purple fruit.

Official source: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-standards-code/circulars/notification-circular-351-25

*This article is compiled by ZMUni Compliance Center, based on the latest regulatory updates from food-related regulatory authorities/agencies in various countries/regions.