Core Viewpoint - The new food labeling regulations aim to eliminate misleading terms like "zero added" from packaging, impacting consumer choices and industry practices [1][2][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The newly released "National Standard for Food Safety Prepackaged Food Labeling General Principles" (GB 7718-2025) prohibits the use of terms such as "no additives" and "zero additives" on food labels, with a two-year transition period before enforcement begins on March 16, 2027 [2][4]. - The transition period allows companies to clear existing inventory and adapt to the new standards, indicating a significant shift in labeling practices within the food industry [4][5]. Group 2: Consumer Impact - Consumers are experiencing confusion due to the prevalence of "zero added" labels, leading to difficulties in product selection, as many are unaware of the upcoming regulatory changes [2][3]. - A significant portion of consumers expressed uncertainty regarding the meaning of "zero added" products, which complicates their purchasing decisions [3]. Group 3: Industry Response - Companies are expected to engage in aggressive promotions to clear out existing stock of "zero added" products during the transition period, with strategies such as discounts and buy-one-get-one-free offers becoming common [4]. - Experts predict that "zero added" products may continue to be available for an additional 3-4 years due to existing inventory and product shelf life, despite the new regulations [4][5]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - The introduction of the new standards aligns with national goals for high-quality development and addresses the need to regulate the "zero added" labeling phenomenon in the food industry [5]. - The new regulations are seen as beneficial for consumers, ensuring clearer product information and promoting better industry practices [5].

Core Viewpoint - The new food safety standards prohibit the use of terms like "zero added" and "not added" on pre-packaged foods, aiming to address misleading marketing practices in the industry. The implementation date is set for March 16, 2027, allowing companies a two-year transition period to comply [1][2][11]. Group 1: New Regulations - The newly released standards include 59 food safety national standards and amendments, specifically targeting misleading marketing language in pre-packaged food labeling [2][11]. - The revised GB 7718-2025 standard explicitly bans terms synonymous with "not added," such as "zero added" and "no added," to prevent consumer misunderstanding [2][13]. Group 2: Industry Response - Companies like Haidilao, Jinlongyu, and Qianhe have expressed support for the new regulations, indicating a commitment to comply and improve transparency in product labeling [11][12]. - The new regulations are expected to shift the industry focus from "label marketing" to "quality competition," encouraging companies to enhance product development and quality [11][12][14]. Group 3: Marketing Practices - Many brands, including Hao Shi and Wei Chuan, have been found to label products as "zero added" while containing other sugars or additives, highlighting the prevalence of misleading marketing in the industry [3][4][6]. - The dairy sector also sees widespread use of "zero added" claims, with brands like Nayuki and Mengniu promoting products as "zero sugar" or "zero fat," despite containing other forms of sugar [6][7]. Group 4: Consumer Misunderstanding - The marketing of "not added" products has created consumer misconceptions about the safety and quality of food products, leading to increased anxiety over the use of food additives [13][14]. - Experts argue that the new regulations will help consumers return to a more scientifically informed understanding of food safety, reducing the confusion caused by misleading claims [13][14].