This article provides a comprehensive overview of key regulatory developments in the food sector in August 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.
🔘 FSANZ Opens Consultation on New Processing Aid Application
On August 6, 2026, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) opened a public consultation on Application A1347, concerning the use of protein-glutamine glutaminase from Bacillus licheniformis as a processing aid. Written submissions are invited until September 17, 2026.
Source: FSANZ
🔘 South Korea Proposes Expanded Allergen Labeling and Tighter Food Advertising Rules
On August 7, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) proposed amendments to the Enforcement Rule of the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods. The proposal would add sesame, perilla seeds, almonds, and cashew nuts to the mandatory allergen labeling list, while strengthening administrative standards for misleading food advertising, including advertising that uses AI-generated content to make experts appear to endorse or recommend a food product. Public comments are open until September 17, 2026.
Source: MFDS
🔘 Taiwan FDA Issues Requirements for Inulin Produced Using Fructosyltransferase
On August 12, 2026, Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) issued requirements for the use and labeling of inulin produced using fructosyltransferase. The requirements set specifications for the ingredient and require products containing this type of inulin to provide specific labeling information regarding its production method. The requirements took effect immediately upon issuance.
Source: TFDA
🔘 South Korea Proposes Changes to Recognition Requirements for Functional Ingredients
On August 14, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) proposed amendments to the Regulation on the Recognition of Functional Ingredients and Standards and Specifications for Health Functional Foods. The proposal would update application forms following an increase in review fees and revise the safety assessment decision flowchart to reflect updated definitions of synthetic compounds. Public comments are open until October 13, 2026.
Source: MFDS
🔘 Singapore Adds Noushroom to Approved Novel Foods List
On August 14, 2026, Singapore's Food Agency (SFA) updated its List of Approved Novel Foods to include "Noushroom," a fungal protein product produced using Neurospora crassa OR-1. The product, submitted by Ultimeat International Pte Ltd, is produced through aerobic fermentation, followed by separation, dehydration, washing, and heat drying. The approval specifies requirements for protein content, contaminants, and microbiological safety, including limits for lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Source: Singapore Food Agency
🔘 China SAMR released Q&A on food labeling supervisions.
On August 28, 2026, China SAMR released a Q&A document providing further interpretation of the Administrative Measures for the Supervision of Food Labeling. The document addresses 35 questions covering key aspects of food labeling supervision. Read more here.
🔘 China Opens Consultation on Three New Food Ingredients
On August 31, 2026, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued a public consultation on3 new food ingredients, including Sanghuangporus mycelium, Alo evera gel and Rhodotorula toruloides oil. Public comments are open until September 30, 2026.
Source: CFSA
🔘 China's Non-compliant Food Imports in July 2026
On September 1, 2026, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) released its list of non-compliant imported food products for July 2026. According to the data, 487 batches of imported food were denied entry in July due to non-compliance with food safety, hygiene, and other requirements. This represented an approximately 11% month-on-month decrease from the 548 batches recorded in June, but an approximately 2% year-on-year increase from the 476 batches recorded in July 2025. Read more here.
🔘 Canada Adds Two Food Ingredients to Its Non-Novel Determination List
On August 5, 2026, Health Canada updated its list of non-novel food and food ingredients, adding Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi) pulp powder and VITACEL® Citrus Fiber to the list of confirmed non-novel ingredients. VITACEL® Citrus Fiber is an insoluble dietary fiber derived from the peels of lemon, lime, orange, mandarin, and bergamot. Health Canada determined that the ingredients have a history of safe food use and therefore are not considered novel foods under Division 28 under the conditions assessed.
Source: Health Canada
🔘 US FDA Proposes Major Changes to GRAS Oversight
On August 10, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule to strengthen oversight of substances used in human and animal food that are claimed to be Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Under the proposed framework, companies would be required to submit GRAS notices to FDA for substances they determine to be GRAS, bringing these determinations under a more formal notification and transparency system.
The proposal would also establish additional requirements for GRAS notices, including information supporting the basis for the GRAS determination, the intended conditions of use, and relevant safety information. FDA stated that the proposed changes are intended to improve regulatory oversight and transparency while helping ensure that substances added to food are safe for their intended uses. Public comments on the proposal are due by December 9, 2026.
Source: FDA
🔘 Canada Permits Up to 30% Juice in Certain Caffeinated Beverages
On August 13, 2026, Health Canada modified the List of Permitted Supplemental Ingredients to allow certain caffeinated beverages to contain up to 30% fruit and/or vegetable juice, purée, pulp, or nectar, compared with the previous limit of less than 25%. The modification also maintains existing restrictions on the use of terms such as “juice” and “nectar” on the labels of these products and took effect immediately.
Source: Health Canada
🔘 European Commission Publishes FAQs on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
On August 3, 2026, the European Commission published a new FAQ document providing clarification on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The FAQ addresses key questions on the implementation and application of the Regulation, providing practical guidance for businesses on its packaging requirements.
Source: European Commission
🔘 UK FSA Publishes Safety Assessment Results for Several Regulated Food Products
On August 6, 2026, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) published safety assessment results for several regulated food products. The assessments covered an extension of use for 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) produced using genetically modified Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), DHA-rich oil from Schizochytrium for use in infant and follow-on formula, and several applications for CBD novel foods.
Source: Food Standards Agency
🔘 EU Adjusts Conditions of Use and Specifications for Several Food Additives
From August 18, 2026, Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/196 applies, amending Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008 and (EU) No 231/2012. The regulation revises the conditions of use or specifications for several food additives, including carrageenan (E 407), locust bean gum (E 410), guar gum (E 412), gum arabic (E 414), xanthan gum (E 415), pectin (E 440), and sodium starch octenyl succinate (E 1450), including updated maximum levels for certain food categories and revised purity and contaminant specifications. Official EU Regulation
Source: eur-lex.europa.eu
🔘 EU Sets Maximum Levels for Furan and Methylfurans in Baby Food
On August 19, 2026, Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1890 entered into force, amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 to establish maximum levels for the sum of furan, 2-methylfuran and 3-methylfuran in processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children and baby food. The maximum levels are 40 μg/kg for processed cereal-based foods, 30 μg/kg for dairy- and fruit-based baby food meeting the specified conditions, and 80 μg/kg for other baby food. The combined level is calculated as furan + 0.83 * 2-methylfuran + 0.83 * 3-methylfuran. The new limits will apply from January 1, 2028.
Source: eur-lex.europa.eu
*This article is compiled by ZMUni Compliance Center, based on the latest regulatory updates from food-related regulatory authorities/agencies in various countries/regions.
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