FOOD AND HEALTH ESSENTIALS

China updates food standards for contaminants and mycotoxins

China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) has published updated versions of two important food safety standards.

GB 2761-2017, National Food Safety Standard, Mycotoxins in Food, replaces the 2011 version of the standard, while GB 2762-2017, National Food Safety Standard, Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods, replaces the 2012 version.

The primary change in both updated standards is the inclusion of maximum residual limits (MRLs) for substances regulated under current GB standards applicable to food formulas used for special medical purposes, food nutritional substances, nutritional foods for sport, and supplemental foods for pregnant and lactating women. The updated standards also include revisions to the testing methods used to assess compliance. 

Both new standards will enter into force as of September 17, 2017.

The full text of the NHFPC Notice (in Chinese) regarding the publication of the updated food safety standards is available here.