Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the marketing and nutritional adequacy of various products aimed at elderly consumers, particularly those claiming to be suitable for post-operative nutrition and as meal replacements, raising concerns about their compliance with special medical food standards [1][2][16]. Product Claims and Standards - The "米麦奇" brand claims to provide comprehensive nutrition suitable for elderly individuals requiring liquid diets, but it does not meet the standards for special medical foods, which require at least 25 nutrients [1][12]. - Similar products like "朗臣优佳" and "皇麦吉" also make claims of being suitable for elderly nutrition but fail to meet the nutritional requirements set for special medical foods [5][13][14]. - All three products are categorized under GB19640, which is for general food safety standards, rather than the more stringent standards for special medical foods [12][13]. Market Context - The elderly nutrition market in China is expanding, with a market size of 876 billion yuan in 2023 and a projected growth rate of 9.64% annually, expected to exceed 1.4 trillion yuan by 2028 [20]. - The market includes nutritional supplements, functional foods, and special medical foods, with a growing demand for products addressing specific health needs such as immunity, bone health, and digestive issues [20]. Regulatory Concerns - There are significant regulatory gaps in the elderly nutrition market, leading to misleading marketing practices where ordinary foods are marketed as suitable for elderly nutritional needs without proper scientific backing [18][21]. - The lack of specific standards for elderly nutrition products has resulted in a proliferation of products that do not adequately meet the physiological needs of older adults [20][21]. Consumer Guidance - Consumers are advised to verify whether products are registered as special medical foods and to request nutritional testing reports to ensure compliance with safety and nutritional standards [18][19]. - The article emphasizes the importance of regulatory oversight to prevent misleading claims and ensure that products marketed to vulnerable populations like the elderly are safe and effective [18][19].