Regulatory review: China infant formula registration, sports supplements in India and sugar tax debate

Heavier fines and stricter criteria: China proposes five changes to infant formula registration process​

The Chinese authorities have proposed five changes​ to the country’s infant formula milk powder registration process, in a bid to boost the level of quality, scientific evidence, and safe consumption of the products.

State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) announced that it was seeking public consultation on five changes proposed to the “Administrative Measures for the Registration of Product Formulas of Infant Formula Milk Powder” – a set of regulations first implemented in 2016.

“Since its implementation in Oct 2016, the measures have garnered attention within and outside of the country. There is a need to improve the means to a stricter registration process and clearly state the impermissible conditions,”​ the proposal said.

India's FSSAI recategorises dietary supplements for sports use as Foods for Special Dietary Uses​

Indian regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) has announced that all dietary supplements for sports use will be categorised as Foods for Special Dietary Uses (FSDU), which means that manufacturers will need to operate according to FSDU rules.

With the new categorisation, dietary supplements for sportsperson will now need to adhere to the Food, Safety, and Standards Regulations​ implemented in 2016.

This includes regulations pertaining to the essential composition, claims, labelling, permitted use of additives, and the permissible limits of contaminants, toxins and residues in the product.

Watch: Sugar taxes – the case in favour: “Enormous evidence of success”​

Sugar sweetened beverages are one of very few “clearly unhealthy products” that are readily promoted to children and “significantly contribute” to poorer health outcomes as people age, according to a leading health consultant.

Dan Hunt made the case in favour of taxation on sugar sweetened beverages​ in a head-to-head debate with Australian Beverages Council CEO Geoff Parker at our recent Healthy Ageing APAC Summit in Singapore.

We caught up with Hunt after he stepped off stage to get his key takeaways on camera.

Watch: Sugar taxes - the case against: ‘Simply slapping on a tax is misguided’​

Simply “slapping on” a sugar tax to sugar sweetened beverage tax to tackle obesity, diabetes and improving long-term health outcomes when Asia’s ageing population reaches its senior years is misguided, according to the CEO of the Australian Beverages Council.

Geoff Parker made the case against taxation​ in a head-to-head debate with health policy consultant Dan Hunt at our recent Healthy Ageing APAC Summit in Singapore.

We caught up with Parker after he stepped off stage to get his key takeaways on camera.

Expediting the process: Australian trade body reveals crucial ‘Country of Origin’ consultation is underway​

A consultation process over Australia’s Country of Origin labelling rules is underway​ – the guidelines which came under scrutiny after a leading brand was refused permission to use ‘Made in Australia’ claims for products using imported fish oil.

In March last year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) introduced stricter criteria for bearing “Australia Made” claims, following a bill amendment of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Under the new laws, Australian companies which made false or misleading “Made in Australia” claims and related logo were legally liable.