China Issues New National Standards for Special Medical Purpose Foods, Including Tumor Specific Full Nutrition Formulas

" China’s National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly announced the issuance of two new national food safety standards for special medical purpose formula foods (特医食品), namely “General Principles for Special Medical Purpose Formula Foods” and “Tumor Full Nutrition Formula Foods.” The updated “General Principles” standard revises previous classifications and technical requirements, introducing new categories such as nutrient-adjusted full nutrition formulas and disease-specific non–full nutrition formulas, refining amino acid component categories, adjusting nutrient limits for full nutrition formulas, and allowing certain optional components—measures intended to better address the varied nutritional needs of patients under different disease states. Meanwhile, the “Tumor Full Nutrition Formula Foods” is China’s first national standard for a disease-specific full nutrition formula, crafted to address the altered metabolism and elevated nutritional demands of cancer patients (e.g. abnormalities in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, higher demand for quality protein and certain micronutrients). The regulation covers raw materials, sensory attributes, nutritional components, labeling, and usage instructions, so as to support better nutrition outcomes and clinical support for cancer patients. In support of the transition, the regulatory authority is promoting registration under the new standards, planning guidance documents (such as a registration guide for tumor full nutrition formulas), and providing technical support to industry to ensure smooth regulatory implementation and improved product innovation."