Revised food safety standards ban use of 'no additives' labels

Officials say such claims make people think products are inherently healthier

China has banned food producers from using terms such as "no additives" or "zero additives" on labels, saying such claims can mislead consumers.

The new labeling rules are among 50 new standards and nine amendments introduced in the latest revision of the national food safety standards, according to a circular jointly released by the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation on Thursday. The changes aim to enhance transparency and address consumer concerns.

Officials said such labeling claims could create the false impression that products without a certain additive are inherently healthier. "No additives" describes the production process but does not necessarily reflect the final composition of a product, the circular said.