Core Viewpoint - The new national standard for soy sauce, GB/T 18186-2025, will replace the old standard and aims to enhance product quality and safety through stricter regulations and improved testing methods [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: New National Standard Overview - The new standard redefines soy sauce as a liquid seasoning made from fermented soybeans and wheat, eliminating the gray area of "blended soy sauce masquerading as brewed soy sauce" [2]. - It introduces stricter raw material controls, prohibiting the addition of hydrolyzed protein products and waste liquids containing glutamic acid during production [2][3]. - The sensory requirements have been clarified, specifying that the product must be clear and free from visible foreign substances [2][3]. Group 2: Technical and Regulatory Changes - The upper limit for ammonium salt as a percentage of amino acid nitrogen has been reduced from 30% to 28%, encouraging companies to optimize their processes for better product quality [3]. - Regular inspections are mandated every six months, with specific conditions under which new tests must be conducted [3]. - The labeling requirements have been enhanced, requiring clear information on standards, processing categories, amino acid nitrogen content, and quality grades [3]. Group 3: Industry Impact and Innovation - The new standard allows for innovation in flavor while ensuring basic quality and safety, prompting companies to invest in R&D for differentiated products [4]. - Leading companies like Haitian Flavoring and Lee Kum Kee are developing products that cater to health trends, such as iron-fortified soy sauce and gluten-free options [4]. - The market competition is shifting from marketing concepts to substantial innovation, with companies focusing on transparent sourcing, optimized production processes, and expanding overseas capacity [5].