China unveils guideline to improve nutrition quality

China has unveiled targets to enhance the nutritional quality of its food consumption by 2030, aiming for a more balanced and healthy diet nationwide.

The Food and Nutrition Development Guideline (2025–2030), jointly issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, was released on Monday and set key objectives for improving dietary habits and food supply quality.

The guideline called for a shift toward nutrient-rich food consumption, increasing annual per capita intake of foods with rich protein and fiber. By 2030, it targets per capita annual consumption of 14 kilograms of legumes, 69 kilograms of meat, 23 kilograms of eggs, 47 kilograms of dairy products, 29 kilograms of seafood, 270 kilograms of vegetables and 130 kilograms of fruit.

Nutritional recommendations outlined in the guideline advocate for daily caloric intake to remain at approximately 2,150 kilocalories for men and 1,700 kilocalories for women. The initiative emphasizes the importance of protein consumption, setting a goal for high-quality protein to account for over half of the total daily intake.

Daily fiber intake is expected to rise to 25 to 30 grams, while consumption of edible oils should be reduced to 25 to 30 grams. The guideline also aims to cap daily salt and added sugar intake at 5 grams and 25 grams respectively.

In addition to dietary adjustments, the guideline focuses on modernizing food supply systems and promoting healthier cooking methods. Authorities plan to enhance food quality, expand nutritional research and popularize portion control tools to regulate salt, oil and sugar intake.

Measures also include developing central kitchens, adopting smart storage and cooking technologies and improving household food waste management, it said.

To implement these objectives, the ministries will work with relevant organizations to create supporting policies and oversee execution. Public awareness initiatives such as national nutrition week and the Chinese farmers' harvest festival will further promote healthy eating habits and regional food culture, it added.