导航菜单
This article provides a comprehensive overview of key regulatory developments in the food sector inMay 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 Three New Food Updates: 16 Newly Approved Substances (May 2026)
On May 27, 2026, China's National Health Commission (NHC) officially approved 16 substances as "Three-New Food", including 7 new food ingredients, 7 new food additive varieties, and 2 new food-related products. See previous news.
🔘 Six Imported Health Foods Newly Notified in China in May 2026
On May 25, 2026, the Food Evaluation Center of China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published several new announcements for imported health foods. A total of six imported health food products were newly filed in this batch, involving filing applicants from the United States and Canada.
As of the end of May 2026, the cumulative number of imported health food products notified this year reached nine. Among them, vitamin products accounted for six notifications, representing approximately 67% of the total.
🔘 China Strengthens Policy Support for Marine Health Food Industry Development
On May 28, 2026, China SAMR announced that eight government authorities had jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the High-Quality Development of Marine Pharmaceuticals and Functional Products, identifying marine health foods as a key development area.
To support industry innovation, China will continue to improve the health food registration and notification system, focusing on products with strong market demand. Currently, ten ingredients, including fish oil and spirulina, are included in the health food filing directory, helping reduce compliance costs and accelerate market entry. A joint review mechanism for new ingredients and new health functions has also been established to support the sector's high-quality development.
Source: https://www.samr.gov.cn/xw/sj/art/2026/art_02a5af056f2f4cb9bbc9035dcb4efb2b.html
🔘 China's Non-compliant Food Imports in April 2025
On May 18, 2026, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) released its list of non-compliant imported food products for April 2026. A total of 463 batches from 37 countries and regions were denied entry, representing a a month-on-month increase of approximately 4% (up 18 batches from 445 in March 2026) and a year-on-year increase of about 43% (up 138 batches from 325 in the same period last year). See detailed analysis.
🔘 Australia and New Zealand Tighten Controls on Caffeine in Foods
On May 1, 2026, food ministers from Australia and New Zealand agreed to amend the Food Standards Code to introduce new requirements for caffeine and guarana extract sold as foods and for the addition of caffeine to food products. The measures are intended to address health and safety concerns associated with excessive caffeine consumption.
Source: https://www.foodregulation.gov.au/food-ministers-meeting-communique-1-may-2026
🔘 FSANZ Consult on Mandatory Health Star Rating System
On May 7, 2026, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) launched a public consultation on Proposal P1067, which would make the Health Star Rating (HSR) system mandatory for most packaged foods sold in Australia and New Zealand. The proposal aims to improve the consistency and visibility of front-of-pack nutrition information and is open for public comment until June 21, 2026.
Source: https://consultations.foodstandards.gov.au/fsanz/p1067-health-star-rating-system/
🔘 South Korea Revises Food Labeling Standards for Decaffeinated Coffee and Alcohol Collaboration Products
On May 12, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued Notice No. 2026-37, partially amending the Standards for Labeling of Foods, etc. The revision aligns labeling criteria for decaffeinated coffee with international standards and requires alcohol collaboration products using the trademarks, packaging, or designs of non-alcoholic foods to clearly indicate their alcoholic nature on the principal display panel to prevent consumer confusion.
Source: MFDS Notice No. 2026-37
🔘 WHO Releases Updated SHAKE Package to Support Global Sodium Reduction Efforts
On May 12, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the second edition of its SHAKE technical package, providing updated guidance to help countries reduce population sodium intake. The revised package places greater emphasis on mandatory, government-led measures, including food reformulation, front-of-pack nutrition labeling, marketing restrictions, public procurement policies, and the use of lower-sodium salt substitutes.
The update aims to accelerate progress toward global sodium reduction targets, as excessive salt consumption remains a leading dietary risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease worldwide.
🔘 U.S. FDA Finalizes Food Chemical Review Program and Reassesses BHT and ADA
On May 12, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized its new post-market food chemical safety assessment program and launched reassessments of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and azodicarbonamide (ADA), two food additives used in a range of food products. The FDA also issued requests for information on the use and safety of both substances as part of the review process.
The new framework establishes a systematic, science-based process for identifying, prioritizing, and reassessing food chemicals already on the market, with the aim of strengthening transparency and ensuring food chemical safety as new scientific evidence becomes available. Public comments on the BHT and ADA reassessments will be accepted through July 13, 2026.
🔘 Canada Proposes Approval of Jagua Blue as a Food Colour
On May 14, 2026, Health Canada launched a public consultation on a proposal to add jagua (genipin-glycine) blue to the List of Permitted Food Colours. If approved, the natural blue colourant could be used in a range of foods, including yogurt, beverages, confectionery, breakfast cereals, and snack products. Public comments will be accepted until July 28, 2026.
🔘 France Strengthens Enforcement Against Food Products Containing CBD
On May 20, 2026, French authorities announced stricter controls on foods containing cannabidiol (CBD), emphasizing that such products are not authorized for sale under the EU Novel Foods Regulation. The measure follows increasing reports of CBD-related intoxications and ongoing safety concerns highlighted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Source: https://agriculture.gouv.fr/node/110883
🔘 EU Rejects Health Claim Linking Creatine to Cognitive Function
On May 26, 2026, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/1118, refusing to authorize the health claim that "daily creatine supplementation can contribute to improved cognitive function." The decision followed an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which concluded that the available evidence did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between creatine supplementation and improvements in cognitive performance.
Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202601118
*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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