China’s GB7718-2011 Prepackaged Food Labeling Standard to Take Effect April 20: Compliance Guide for Flexible Packaging

Industry Brief

On February 3, 2012, the Ministry of Health website published questions and interpretations tied to GB7718-2011, the General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods. The standard is scheduled to take effect on April 20, 2012. Printing companies should keep the following points on their radar during production and flag them for customers early, so that unfamiliarity with the rules does not disrupt manufacturing schedules or business operations.

1. Traditional Chinese Characters: No Standalone Use Except for Trademarks

The standard states that food labels must use standard Chinese characters, with trademarks excluded from this requirement. “Standard Chinese characters” means those listed in the Table of General Standard Chinese Characters; traditional characters are not included. A label may use corresponding traditional characters at the same time as standard Chinese characters.

1. Chinese and Foreign Languages: Foreign Type Must Not Outsize the Matching Chinese Text

Prepackaged food labels may include foreign languages, but the font size of foreign text must not exceed that of the corresponding Chinese characters. For mandatory labeling content required by this standard, other laws and regulations, and food safety standards, there must be a clear Chinese-foreign language correspondence.

1. Mandatory Labeling Content: Size and Legibility Rules

Food labels must carry all mandatory content required by the standard. Depending on the label area, the height of text, symbols, and numerals may be below 1.8 mm, provided they remain clear and easy to read. When mandatory content combines Chinese characters and alphabetic characters, Chinese characters must be at least 1.8 mm high. For units such as kg and mL, or other mandatory labeling characters, compliance with the 1.8 mm threshold is assessed using uppercase letters or lowercase letters such as “k,” “f,” and “l.”

According to the Ministry of Health’s interpretation, “prepackaged food” means food prepackaged or prepared in packaging materials and containers in predetermined quantities. This includes food that is prepackaged or prepared in packaging materials and containers in predetermined quantities and carries a uniform mass or volume indication within a defined quantitative range. Such food must first be prepackaged and must display a uniform mass or volume statement on the package. Labeling on food packaging must be truthful and accurate, and must not introduce the food through wording, graphics, or other means likely to mislead or deceive consumers. If graphics or words could cause misunderstanding, clear and prominent text must explain them.

The General Rules also call for labels to use a specific name that reflects the food’s true nature, such as a food name or food category name set out in national, industry, or local standards. Where multiple names exist, any one may be used, or an equivalent name that does not create ambiguity. If no standard name is available, a common or popular name that helps consumers understand the food’s true nature should be used.

Source: China Packaging Network (pack.cn); original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-362096.html