Core Points - The introduction of digital labels for pre-packaged foods aims to enhance consumer access to important product information and improve the overall food industry [1][2][5] Group 1: Digital Label Implementation - The National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation have issued guidelines for the implementation of digital labels on pre-packaged foods, detailing their scope, application, and modification requirements [1][4] - Digital labels utilize QR codes and other digital means to present food information, encouraging the display of legally required information such as ingredient sources, production processes, and food safety details [2][4] Group 2: Consumer Benefits - Consumers can scan digital labels to access detailed product information, including ingredient lists and expiration dates, with features like voice reading and enlarged text for better readability [2][3] - The digital label system ensures that essential information remains on physical labels, addressing concerns for consumers who may not be adept with smart devices [3] Group 3: Regulatory Compliance - Digital labels must comply with food safety laws and standards, ensuring that advertising and marketing content does not interfere with essential food safety information [4] - The guidelines promote the integration of multiple QR codes into a single digital label to streamline consumer experience and avoid confusion [4][7] Group 4: Industry Impact - Digital labels can reduce costs for food manufacturers by minimizing the need for multiple label designs and improving supply chain data management [7][8] - The initiative is expected to contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions associated with label production, with potential savings of 1.6 billion yuan annually for the food industry [8] Group 5: Future Developments - The National Health Commission aims to promote digital labels as part of a broader digital transformation in the food industry, with 2025 designated as the "Year of Food Digital Labels" [5][8] - The initiative is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the digital infrastructure of food labeling, which will also align with international standards [8]

Core Viewpoint - The 16th China Food Safety Forum emphasized the importance of continuously improving the national food safety standard system to ensure safety and promote development [1][2]. Group 1: Food Safety Standards - Since the implementation of the Food Safety Law in 2009, China has published a total of 1,725 national food safety standards covering over 340 food categories and more than 20,000 indicators [1]. - The standards address major health hazards affecting Chinese residents and manage the entire food supply chain from production to consumption [1]. Group 2: New Standards and Regulations - This year, 126 new standards and amendments were released, focusing on limits for harmful substances in food, hygiene regulations, and nutritional labeling, among others [2]. - The new standards aim to meet public expectations for food safety and support the urgent needs of food industry transformation and regulatory efficiency [2]. Group 3: Labeling Innovations - The new General Principles for Prepackaged Food Labels and Nutritional Labels introduce mandatory allergen labeling, standardized quantitative labeling, and digital labeling, enhancing transparency and consumer protection [3]. - The nutritional labels will now include additional information on saturated fats and sugars, promoting healthier food choices and reducing food waste [3]. Group 4: Digital Labeling - The National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation have announced measures to promote digital labeling, simplifying information access for consumers and enhancing regulatory oversight [4]. - Hundreds of companies and over a thousand products have already adopted digital labels, covering major food categories such as dairy, meat, and beverages [4].

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of digital labels for pre-packaged food marks a significant advancement in the management of food labeling in China, enhancing consumer access to information and improving industry practices [1][2]. Group 1: Digital Label Implementation - The announcement by the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation details the requirements for digital labels, building on the previously released national food safety standards [1][2]. - Digital labels allow for the display of more information than traditional physical labels, including ingredient sourcing, production processes, and detailed nutritional information, addressing the limitations of physical label space [2][3]. Group 2: User Experience and Functionality - The digital label content must be clear and easy to read, with restrictions on disruptive elements like pop-ups, and encourages the integration of digital label QR codes with existing packaging QR codes for multifunctional use [3]. - The National Health Commission has designated 2025 as the "Year of Food Digital Label Promotion," with various provinces actively promoting the initiative and numerous food products already adopting digital labels [3]. Group 3: Regulatory and Design Aspects - Digital labels must comply with the Food Safety Law and national mandatory labeling regulations, with any modifications needing to be fully documented to ensure traceability and prevent tampering [2][3]. - A dedicated logo for digital labels has been designed to enhance recognition and is available for food producers to use [4].

Core Viewpoint - The newly released food safety standards aim to enhance food safety and nutritional health for consumers through comprehensive risk management across the food supply chain [1][2]. Group 1: New Food Safety Standards - A total of 50 new food safety national standards and 9 amendments have been published, covering various food categories including dairy, meat, and infant formula [1][2]. - The new standards include mandatory labeling of allergens and clearer expiration date formats, enhancing consumer awareness and safety [3][5]. Group 2: Labeling Changes - Pre-packaged food labels will now be required to highlight allergenic substances in a more prominent manner, such as bold or underlined text [3][4]. - The expiration date must be displayed as a specific date, eliminating the need for consumers to calculate the shelf life [5][6]. - The use of terms like "no additives" or "zero additives" is prohibited to prevent misleading consumers about the actual content of food products [8][9]. Group 3: Nutritional Labeling Enhancements - The range of mandatory nutrients on labels has expanded from "1+4" to "1+6," now including sugar and saturated fat, to guide healthier consumer choices [11]. - New standards emphasize the importance of reducing salt, oil, and sugar intake, particularly for children and adolescents, addressing rising obesity rates [12][13]. - Nutritional labels will now include a comprehensive breakdown of nutrients, allowing consumers to make informed dietary choices [14]. Group 4: Nutritional Claims - Nutritional claims on packaging will be strictly regulated, with clear definitions for "content claims" and "comparative claims" to ensure transparency [15][18]. - The new standards allow for additional information to be presented in a more consumer-friendly manner, such as using familiar terms and graphics to convey nutritional information [16].