On January 27, 2026, Taiwan released the “Guidelines for Safety Assessment of Novel Food Ingredients”, which clarify the definition, required submission materials, and regulatory procedures for novel food ingredients in Taiwan. The guidelines also specify documentation requirements for ingredients produced using genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs), ensuring the safety of such food ingredients for consumption.

On April 22, 2026, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) issued 4 new food materials. Comments are welcomed before May 22, 2026.

On April 17, 2026, the National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment solicited public comments on expanding the scope of use for the food additive Carmine and the food nutrient enhancer 3'-sialyllactose sodium salt.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid nutrient in breast milk, following only lactose and lipids. HMOs form a variety of complex structures through different combinations of five basic components—glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, L-fucose, and N-acetylneuraminic acid—and possess multiple functions, including regulating the gut microbiota, establishing the intestinal barrier, boosting immunity, and enhancing cognitive development.

As of March 31, 2026, a total of 20 Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) were approved in the first quarter of 2026, bringing the cumulative number of approved FSMPs in China to 310.