Children’s cooking oil, biscuits, dumplings—marketed with cuter packaging and smaller portions, these “children’s foods” often come with hefty price tags. Many parents buy them, believing they’re “safer, healthier, and better suited for kids,” but ingredient lists show most are no different from regular foods.
China’s food safety laws and standards lack a definition for “children’s food.” While there are mandatory standards for infant foods (0-3 years) and specialized medical formulas, no specific regulations exist for foods consumed by other minors. Companies generally follow ordinary food standards.
Parental Trust vs Regulatory Vacuum
Despite existing standards covering safety and nutrition for child-friendly foods, parental anxiety drives purchases. “For parents, children’s health is paramount,” said a consumer. But the core issue remains: why should a “children’s food” label automatically signify suitability? Brands exploit this trust, and many are unaware of the regulatory void.
Market Chaos Exposes Legislative Gaps
Many merchant hype “children’s food” to justify high prices, with some products featuring unscientific ingredients. This chaotic phenomena reflects legal and enforcement challenges: current advertising and food laws lack specific clauses for “children’s food,” relying only on general provisions. Regulators face hurdles without clear legal benchmarks.
Progress on the Horizon: 2027 Regulatory Overhaul
The Market Regulation Administration’s new Food Labeling Supervision Measures marks a step forward, explicitly prohibiting labels claiming “suitable for minors” without legal or standards-based justification. Set to take effect on March 16, 2027, the rules aim to curb misleading marketing.
Defining “Children’s Food”: The First Regulatory Hurdle
Regulating “children’s food” is both inevitable and urgent. Before refining technical standards or labeling systems, establishing a clear legal definition of “children’s food” must be the priority. Only with a solid regulatory foundation can the market evolve to truly serve children’s nutritional needs rather than exploit parental fears.
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