Under Nutrition Labeling Rules, Kunshan Identifies 20 Non-Compliant Imported Food Label Batches; 9 Found in October

According to personnel from the Kunshan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, during inspections of food imported from Taiwan, China, in October this year, the bureau found nine batches of products with non-compliant labels in succession, involving candy, pastries, beverages and other items.

After the General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods took effect on January 1 this year, the Kunshan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau strengthened conformity testing of food nutrition labels and has found a total of 20 non-compliant batches. The main problems included incomplete basic label elements, such as the absence of a nutrition facts table; irregular use of food additives, including excessive or out-of-scope use; false, exaggerated or potentially misleading wording or graphics on labels, such as a certain “milk candy” that contained almost no protein; irregular nutrition labeling, where the core nutrients—protein, fat, carbohydrate and sodium—should be listed in order, but some products reversed the sequence or omitted items; and nutritional components that did not meet standards in conformity testing.

Three main causes were identified. First, many imported food companies still emphasize the product while underplaying the label; they do not regard labels as being as important as food quality and safety, and they lack training and understanding of imported product labeling, with only partial knowledge of label requirements. Second, as living standards improve and the renminbi appreciates, import trade has been developing well, and many trading companies are moving from export to import but have limited knowledge of the laws and regulations governing imported goods. Third, some overseas manufacturers change ingredients or formulas without promptly updating the nutrition facts table, so the labeled nutrition does not match the actual product.

Accordingly, the Kunshan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau advised food importers to take three actions: first, recognize the importance of labels, which are an indispensable part of prepackaged food safety; second, strengthen training and learning to become familiar with and master the laws, regulations and mandatory standards for imported food labels; and third, improve label review—for foods with complex ingredients and many applicable standards, companies may ask specialized consulting agencies to assist with design and review, so that non-compliant labels are blocked from entering the market at the source.

Source: China Packaging Network (pack.cn); original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-361868.html