China Releases National Standard for Milk Protein
China’s National Health Commission (NHC) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly issued a national food-safety standard for milk protein on 22 September 2026. The release was reported by the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
The document is identified as GB31668-2026. It applies specifically to milk proteins used in China’s food industry and sets out requirements for two product categories: concentrated milk protein and milk protein isolate.
The standard establishes definitions for the products and includes sensory criteria. It also specifies physical and chemical indicators that apply to the covered milk-protein products.
For contaminants, mycotoxins and microorganisms, the document refers to existing standards and reference requirements. These references form part of the framework governing the safety parameters for the products covered by GB31668-2026.
The measure also contains provisions on food additives and labelling. The supplied information does not specify individual additive limits, contaminant thresholds, microbiological values or particular labelling statements.
GB31668-2026 will enter into force on 18 August 2027, nearly 11 months after its release. Until that date, the standard remains issued but not yet in force, according to the information provided by the Foreign Agricultural Service.
