Scientific understanding of special medical purpose formula food

[Background Introduction] Article 74 of the newly revised "Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" which came into effect on October 1, 2015 clearly states that the state shall strictly supervise and manage special foods such as health foods, special medical purpose formula foods and infant formula foods.

So, as a type of special food, what kind of food is food for special medical purposes, and what is so special about it? Today, let's unveil its "mystery" together.

The official definition is that special medical purpose formula foods are specially processed and prepared to meet the special needs of nutrients or diets for people with restricted food intake, digestive and absorption disorders, metabolic disorders or specific disease states. Such products must be consumed alone or in combination with other foods under the guidance of a doctor or clinical nutritionist.

Let’s break it down and look at a few key points:

1. For special groups or special situations, such as those who cannot eat normally, have problems with digestion, absorption and metabolism, or suffer from specific diseases;

2. Based on such special circumstances, products are specially made through scientifically designed formulas;

3. Don’t just buy and eat it casually; you need scientific guidance from a doctor or nutritionist.

It seems that this special medical purpose formula food is indeed very special! We can regard it as a "special nutritional food for pathological conditions". The state has formulated national food safety standards such as GB 29922 "General Rules for Special Medical Purpose Formula Foods" and GB 25596 "General Rules for Special Medical Purpose Infant Formula Foods".

Below, we use a picture to see how this type of food is classified.

From this picture, we can see that special medical formula foods are divided into two categories according to the applicable population:

One category is for infants 12 months old and younger, including foods for lactose intolerance, milk protein allergy, amino acid metabolism disorders (such as phenylketonuria), and premature/low birth weight infants;

There is another category suitable for people over 1 year old, which is divided into complete nutrition formula, which can be used as a single source of nutrition, that is, eating this food alone can meet all nutritional needs. Specific complete nutrition formula can meet all nutritional needs of people with specific diseases or medical conditions, such as diabetic people, cancer patients, etc.; then there is non-complete nutrition formula, which cannot be used as a single source of nutrition, but can be used as a partial source of nutrition for nutritional supplement.

At this point, I think everyone should have some preliminary understanding of special medical purpose formula foods. In fact, as long as you understand that this type of food is scientifically formulated, it is not simple, it is quite special, and it needs to be consumed under guidance, you have basically grasped the essence of this type of food.

Here, we would also like to remind you that when purchasing special medical purpose formula foods:

1. Under the scientific guidance of a doctor or nutritionist, choose to buy it in regular supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. according to your needs;

2. Look for words like "XXX formula food for special medical purposes" on the food label and read the registration number (National Food Registration Number TY + four-digit year number + serial number);

Relevant registration information can be queried on the Special Food Information Query Platform of the State Administration for Market Regulation

http://ypzsx.gsxt.gov.cn/specialfood/#/food

3. Pay attention to key information on the label, such as applicable population, precautions, etc.

(Note: This is a sample of the platform label. Please refer to the actual product)

4. Pay special attention to identifying solid beverages that are labeled as special medical formula foods, do not believe in various sales pitches, and be careful to avoid purchasing counterfeit and shoddy products due to false propaganda.

In short, it takes some thought to choose special medical purpose formula foods. From now on, scientifically understand special medical purpose formula foods, make smart choices, and consume wisely.