China health food dual-use substances catalogue has nine (9) new substances. These can be recognized as both food and Chinese medicinal materials in accordance with the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China and its implementation regulations, as well as the Regulations on the Management of Substances Traditionally Used as Both Food and Chinese Medicines.
These nine traditional dual use food and medicinal substance are:
- Codonopsis
- Cistanche deserticola
- Dendrobium officinale
- American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)
- Radix astragali (Astragalus membranaceus)
- Ganoderma lucidum
- Dogwood (Cornus officinalis)
- Gastrodia elata
- Eucommia ulmoides leaves.
This announcement stems from thorough safety assessments, pilot production, and operational trials. These substances, collectively referred to as “dual-use food and medicinal substances,” have been added to the catalog after considering traditional consumption patterns, regional demands, international regulatory experiences, and comprehensive risk evaluations.
The nine substances, including Codonopsis, are recommended for moderate consumption as dual-use food and medicinal materials. When utilized as ingredients in health foods, these substances should adhere to relevant regulations governing health foods. Similarly, when employed as Chinese medicinal materials, they should comply with regulations specific to traditional Chinese medicine.
The recent addition of substances like Codonopsis to the catalogue of dual-use food and medicinal materials enhances the safety criteria for these substances when used in food. Parameters such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and sulfur dioxide levels are to be determined according to the methods specified in national standards. Pesticide limits should conform to the relevant regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, contributing to a comprehensive and improved framework for the safe utilization of these substances in food.
As edible and medicinal substances, they are recommended to be consumed in moderation according to the traditional methods and are not recommended for special groups such as pregnant women, lactating women, infants and young children. The traditional methods of processing the raw materials are crushing, slicing, pressing, frying, boiling, soaking, etc.
Next steps:
If you are currently selling health foods or Traditional Chinese Medicines containing the above 9 ingredients, please contact Cisema to ensure that the ingredient safety information provided is accurate and update.
This regulatory announcement aims to ensure the safe and informed consumption of these dual-use food and medicinal substances, balancing traditional practices with contemporary regulatory standards.
Further information
Read the original announcement on China health food dual-use substances.
Read about a previous update to China’s health food raw material catalogue.
Contact us to learn more about our services for health food products in China.