CHINA - INTERPRETATION ON THE“NATIONAL NUTRITION PLAN (2017-2030)” WITH A VIEW ON STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

The General Office of the Chinese State Council has distributed the “National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030)” (hereafter referred to as the “Plan”) on July 13, 2017. The Plan includes the national nutrition strategies for 2020 and 2030 and aims to push forward legislation and policy developments in relation to nutrition.

Formulation and revision of standards in relation to nutrition

The Plan revises the currently existing standards on the following points;

1.     The formulation of new recommended dietary reference intakes,

2.     the adoption of recognized investigation methodologies,

3.     screening of general malnutrition risks,

4.     establishment of dietary guidance for diabetics,

5.     formulation of general rules on nutritious food for the elderly,

6.     introduction of nutrition labelling for catered foods, and

7.     nutritional research on the Chinese population, and

8.     investigation of industrial standards.

Furthermore, the Plan aims to step up the progress in the revision of the general standards on the labelling of prepacked foods, the standards on fortified foods, the standards on infant formula together with complementary or other national food safety standards. Additionally, the improvement of the standards on foods for special medical purposes is pursued.

Regarding sport foods, a modification of national and industrial standards is aimed for on a short notice. It aspires to improve the R&D capabilities in the field of sports nutrition to fuel industrial development in the field.

Prior to the adoption of the Plan, the China National Center For Food Safety Risk Assessment (or in short the “CFSA”) had organized a seminar on the Nutrition plan and neutrino related standards on 10 March 2017. The meeting highlighted the progress made in the field of nutrition related standards such as those mentioned above. In addition, it also made mention of the Operational Guidance on Nutritious Student Meals and the establishment of a coordinating group.

As it stands, the development of additional standards or amends and guidance documents in relation to nutritional policy are expected.

Further completion of the list of articles that are both food and traditional Chinese medicine

The Plan also aims to further complete the list of articles which are both food and traditional Chinese medicinal materials.

The National Health and Family Planning Commission had released a draft, but up until today no official version has been released.