The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) recently issued its 2024 No. 22 National Standards Announcement, unveiling 511 newly approved standards. Among them is the revised National Standard for Sichuan Pepper, which will officially take effect on April 1, 2025.

This standard, overseen by the National Technical Committee on Standardization of Spices and Condiments, was co-drafted by Sichuan Jiahe Yuanwei Spices Co., Ltd（Rushi）. and Sichuan Medelic Flavor and Food Technology Co., Ltd. (Rushi and Medelic). The updated standard introduces stricter and more detailed regulations, particularly concerning quality benchmarks and testing methods.

Enhanced Quality Control for Sichuan Pepper

The revised standard represents a significant leap forward in ensuring product quality and food safety. For example, limits on foreign matter and mold contamination have been tightened to "non-detectable" levels. Additionally, Sichuan pepper and Sichuan pepper powder are now categorized based on the content of volatile oils, which determine their grade.

For the first time, the standard also includes a testing method for "closed-eye peppercorns" (peppercorns where the seeds are not fully visible). This addition reflects the increasing demands of domestic and international markets for higher-quality products and aligns with consumers' growing expectations for food safety and consistent standards.

A Decade of Expertise Fuels Industry Progress

As industry leaders with over 30 years of experience, Rushi and Medelic played a pivotal role in this milestone. They contributed extensive data from their long-term monitoring of Sichuan pepper quality, including key metrics such as volatile oil and closed-eye peppercorn content.

Several core recommendations from Rushi and Medelic were incorporated into the standard, including:

• Classification of Sichuan pepper into red and green varieties.

• Specific limits for closed-eye peppercorn content in red and green varieties.

• Adjustments to allowable moisture and ash content levels.

These contributions underline the companies' commitment to advancing industry standards and maintaining the highest product quality.

A Milestone for the Sichuan Pepper Industry

Experts view the release of the national standard as a game-changer. It introduces a clear, unified, and practical framework for the Sichuan pepper industry. The standard aims to address long-standing issues such as adulteration, mislabeling, and inconsistent quality, ensuring smoother trade and processing practices while fortifying food safety.

As the standard rolls out, it is expected to reshape the industry by increasing transparency and credibility. Consumers will gain greater confidence in the quality of Sichuan pepper products, and the foundation for sustainable development in the sector will be firmly established.

The Road Ahead: Innovation and Responsibility

Looking forward, Rushi and Medelic remain dedicated to driving progress in the Sichuan pepper industry. By leveraging technological innovation, they will continue to contribute to the development of national, industry, and group standards. Their efforts highlight the vital role of leading enterprises in shaping the market, ensuring quality, and demonstrating social responsibility.

The release of the national standard for Sichuan pepper marks a turning point for the industry. It sets a benchmark not only for other spice sectors but also for industries striving to establish or refine their own standards. This initiative is a shining example of how collaboration and expertise can elevate an entire industry.