Clearer Additive Labels in Shijiazhuang, Yet Consumer Doubts Remain

To strengthen the food safety defense line, the Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Food Additive Production came into effect in June. In Shijiazhuang, most packaged foods now identify their additives on outer packaging. Yet during interviews, reporters observed that although the information is disclosed, the wide range of additives and their highly technical names have raised more questions for shoppers — and even alarmed some of them.

Unclear Labeling May Trigger a Recall Order

From June 1 this year, the Provisions began to be enforced, bringing previously hidden additive information in processed foods into public view. A relevant official in Shijiazhuang told reporters that this helps protect consumers' right to know, allows them to make selective purchases, and raises the production access threshold for food additives, adding another safeguard for food safety.

Reporters learned that food with unclear labeling or substandard additives may pose safety risks. Quality supervision departments will conduct strict enforcement inspections and use regular or irregular sampling to identify problems, after which manufacturers can be ordered to recall products. A relevant city official said the additives used by manufacturers must come from licensed producers and be clearly marked on labels.

During supervision and when handling consumer complaints, quality supervision departments can detect potential hazards from labels. Where food labels on the market are unclear or incomplete, enforcement inspections of manufacturers will be intensified. If problems are found, food producers will be notified to recall; if a company refuses, quality supervision departments will take steps to force a recall.

More Than Ten Additives Startle Consumers

Visiting several large supermarkets in the city, reporters found that packaged foods on the shelves were all labeling their additives on outer packaging in line with the Provisions.

In one supermarket, a randomly picked pack of custard pies listed 14 food additives, including maltitol, sorbitol, thickeners and leavening agents. Even a small ice cream bar contained more than a dozen additives: phospholipids, maltose syrup, whole milk powder, high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, lactic acid, sodium lactate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, glyceryl monostearate, guar gum, carrageenan, citric acid, sodium citrate, food flavorings, sodium cyclamate, amaranth red, brilliant blue... Seeing such obscure technical terms displayed openly on packaging inevitably makes shoppers uneasy.

Interviews showed that many consumers do pay attention to additives while shopping. They are somewhat familiar with vitamins, food flavorings, citric acid, β-carotene and colorants, but find additives such as sodium hexametaphosphate, emulsified silicone oil and pectin unfamiliar. Whether these additives exceed limits and whether they are safe have become common concerns at the point of purchase.

Limit Foods with Many Additives

The survey found that most foods already label their additives as required. 'Simply listing additive names is far from enough,' an industry insider said, because consumers have no idea what an unfamiliar term actually represents or whether it is harmful to health.

In a supermarket, reporters met Mr. Li, who was selecting hawthorn slices. He said that although additives are labeled according to the rules, the chemical terms are too technical; he does not understand their functions or regulated amounts. As a result, he compares similar products and chooses the one with fewer types of additives.

A relevant city official said that food additives can be safely consumed as long as they are used within national limits. However, the state permits 22 categories and 1,812 kinds of food additives, and their raw materials are mostly chemical substances. Although approved for food use, excessive intake can harm the liver and kidneys, with a particularly strong impact on children. Therefore, people should not rely excessively on ice cream and ice pops to cool off in summer, and should eat as little puffed and processed food as possible.

City law enforcement officers remind the public that food safety involves more than additive use. When buying packaged food, consumers should check not only additives but also the production date, shelf life and whether the packaging carries a QS safety mark.

Additives Used Within the Prescribed Range Are Not a Health Risk

An official from the Shijiazhuang food division explained that food additives used within national standards will not affect human safety. Permitted additives have strict hygiene and quality standards, require approval from relevant departments, and must be used in specified foods at prescribed inclusion levels.

It is understood that since the beginning of this year, the quality supervision system has continually strengthened oversight of food additive producers and of food production and processing enterprises that use additives. Under the Provisions, quality supervision departments apply a declaration system to food manufacturers, requiring them to report the names and amounts of the food additives they use.

In production, the Shijiazhuang quality supervision system also monitors additive use. All foods must clearly list ingredients according to the amounts used; in particular, when sweeteners, preservatives or colorants are used directly in food, their specific names must be stated so consumers can eat with confidence.

——This article is reprinted from China Packaging Network (pack.cn), original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-362180.html