Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the variety of powdered drink mixes lining store shelves? Protein drinks, flavored beverages, specialty formulations—what exactly distinguishes them, and how can consumers avoid potential pitfalls? With the implementation of China's new "Announcement on Strengthening Quality and Safety Supervision of Solid Beverages" (No. 46, 2021), these questions now have clearer answers. This article examines the classification of solid beverages and analyzes key provisions of the new regulations to empower consumers with knowledge for informed purchasing decisions.
I. Definition and Classification of Solid Beverages
According to China's GB/T 29602-2013 standard, solid beverages refer to powdered, granulated, or block-form products made from food ingredients and additives, designed for reconstitution with water. Primary categories include:
- Flavored solid beverages: Primarily containing sugar, fruit juice (powder), and flavorings.
- Protein solid beverages: Containing dairy, egg products, or plant proteins with ≥4% protein content.
- Coffee solid beverages: Made from roasted coffee beans through extraction and drying processes.
- Plant-based solid beverages: Derived from botanical ingredients or extracts (e.g., chrysanthemum or plum concentrates).
- Special purpose solid beverages: Formulated for specific nutritional needs or functional claims (e.g., sports or energy drinks), subject to stricter regulations.
- Other solid beverages: Products not falling into the above categories.
II. Key Provisions of the New Regulations
The regulations establish clear requirements for production, labeling, and marketing to protect consumer rights and standardize market practices.
1. Product Naming Standards: Emphasizing Authenticity
Product names must not duplicate approved special food nomenclature. Labels must prominently display "solid beverage" in font size equal to or larger than other text elements, including brand names and graphics. This ensures consumers can easily identify the product category.
2. Mandatory Warning Labels: Clarifying Limitations
Retail packages of protein, plant-based, special purpose, and flavored solid beverages must display standardized warnings occupying ≥20% of the label space:
"This product cannot replace special medical purpose foods, infant formula, health foods, or other special foods."
The warning must appear in bold black font with high-contrast background and cannot be modified. This prevents misuse for special dietary needs or medical conditions.
3. Marketing Restrictions: Preventing Misrepresentation
Labels and advertising must avoid:
- Claims suggesting suitability for specific demographics (minors, elderly, pregnant women, or patients)
- Implied disease prevention, treatment, or health benefit assertions
As conventional foods, solid beverages cannot make medical or functional claims.
4. Transition Period: Industry Adaptation
Implemented June 1, 2022, the rules allow existing packaging materials to be used until December 31, 2022, facilitating a smooth compliance transition.
III. Import Compliance Considerations
International manufacturers must additionally ensure:
1. Accurate Customs Declarations
Product names must precisely reflect actual contents to avoid customs delays or penalties.
2. Labeling Standards
Chinese-language labels must comply with GB 7718 requirements, including:
- Complete ingredient lists
- Production/expiration dates
- Manufacturer/importer details
Non-compliant products risk fines up to ¥10,000 if refused for correction.
IV. Consumer Guidance: Smart Selection Strategies
Differentiate product types through these indicators:
1. Product Identification
- Solid beverages: Must declare category
- Health foods: Display blue hat symbol (verifiable via regulatory database)
- Special dietary foods: Use specific nomenclature
2. Target Audience
- Solid beverages: No designated user groups
- Specialty products: Must specify applicable populations
3. Usage Instructions
- Specialty products: Detail precise dosages
- Solid beverages: Typically provide only preparation methods
V. Conclusion
These regulatory enhancements strengthen quality oversight while empowering consumers to make informed choices. Vigilance in verifying product claims and reporting non-compliant practices contributes to overall food safety.