China bans reconstituted milk to improve dairy quality

CHINA – China has introduced new national food safety standards banning the use of reconstituted milk in the production of sterilized milk.

The updated standards were jointly issued by the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation and will take effect on September 19, 2025. 

The revision is part of a broader package that includes 50 new standards and nine amendments designed to enhance food safety across the nation.

According to the revised guidelines, only raw milk can now be used as the primary ingredient in sterilized milk production. 

Reconstituted milk, which is made by combining dry dairy products with water, has been officially prohibited. 

An expert from the Institute of Animal Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, whose team contributed to the proposal, explained the change in simple terms: 

“Put simply, it’s just milk powder mixed with water.” 

This ban ensures that sterilized milk, a staple in China’s liquid milk market, meets higher quality benchmarks that align with consumer expectations and industry needs.

The decision is expected to have a significant impact on China’s dairy sector. 

By requiring the exclusive use of raw milk, which is rich in natural nutrients, the new standards are likely to enhance both the nutritional value and flavor of sterilized milk. 

This shift is also anticipated to increase demand for raw milk, providing a boost to dairy farmers and supporting the growth of the domestic dairy industry. 

A report by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences highlighted that China’s raw milk production has advanced in recent years, with 80% of dairy cows now raised on large-scale farms using modern techniques.

The updated rules also mandate clearer product labeling. Manufacturers must now use terms like “pure cow milk” or “pure goat milk” on packaging and are barred from referencing reconstituted milk. 

Internationally, this approach mirrors practices in many developed countries. 

The European Union, Japan, and Singapore, along with organizations like the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, require sterilized milk to be made solely from raw milk.

In contrast, the United States permits reconstituted milk only in areas with limited supply, while Brazil allows it during shortages, such as those caused by drought.

“This is a step toward global standards,” said the expert from the Institute of Animal Sciences. “It’s about giving consumers better milk while helping our farmers thrive.” 

With these changes, China aims to strengthen its position in the global dairy market, where quality and transparency are increasingly valued. 

The US$60 billion dairy industry in China, one of the world’s largest, stands to benefit as production aligns with both domestic and international expectations.