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A Lesson in Knowledge: An Examination of the Legality of Using Hedyotis diffusa as a Food Ingredient

Release Date:

2025-05-27 14:16

Recently, the group has once again started discussing “Baihua Shecao Water.” Once a product that could rival canned herring in popularity, it has certainly grabbed plenty of attention in recent years.

Some friends have also asked Brother Gou: “ Brother Gou, isn’t Hedyotis diffusa a traditional Chinese medicinal herb? Can it be used as a common food ingredient? ”。

Today, Brother Gou is here to chat about this “ Hedyotis diffusa ”。

Let’s start with the conclusion.

1、 Hedyotis diffusa is traditionally used as a Chinese medicinal herb. 。

2 , (Laoshan) Baihuashecao Water is a product specific to a particular period. Approved through the “Food Additive Registration” procedure. 。

3 , Other enterprises It is not recommended to use it indiscriminately. Before use, it is recommended to consult the local health commission. Support can also be obtained through channels such as “Application for New Food Ingredients,” “Policy Support for Local Specialty Foods,” and “Promotion of Registration for Geographical Indication Food Safety Standards.”

What is this?

1、 Hedyotis diffusa , Latin scientific name Scleromitrion diffusum (Willd.) R. J. Wang , an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Hedyotis in the family Rubiaceae.

2. The flower corolla of Hedyotis diffusa is white, and its leaves are slender and elongated, resembling a snake’s tongue—hence the plant’s name.

3 Hedyotis diffusa is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, commonly found along the edges of moist fields and ditches, and in China it is primarily distributed in the southeastern and southwestern provinces and autonomous regions.

4 It was once used in folk medicine to treat venomous snake bites, which is why it is also known as “Snake Chief.” The principal therapeutic effects of Hedyotis diffusa are clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as promoting diuresis and reducing edema. It is listed in the Pharmacopoeia Standards of several provinces, including Guangdong, Shandong, and Jilin. It is primarily used as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. 。

5 Since it is used as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, then… Why is Hedyotis diffusa added to the Baihua Shecao water? Hold your horses—let’s hear what Brother Gou has to say next.

Historical Origins

1 , the last century 60 During that era, China was still under a planned economy, and state-owned enterprises bore the crucial responsibility of generating foreign exchange through exports. In order to… Responding to the Southeast Asian Chinese community’s needs for heat relief and health preservation. , a product specially developed by the state-owned Qingdao Soda Factory in collaboration with numerous institutions—Baihuashecao Water—is primarily exported to countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

2. At the time, this product was primarily intended for export. Later, it gradually shifted from export to domestic sales, entering the Chinese market.

3、2009 In [year], the Food Safety Law was promulgated, and it stipulates that “ Food must not be treated with drugs. (Excluding those with both medicinal and food properties).

4 In accordance with the “Administrative Measures for the Prohibition of Adding Pharmaceuticals to Food” (see the figure below; now repealed), manufacturers have begun filing applications for the registration of pharmaceutical additives in food with both the provincial health authorities and the National Ministry of Health.

5. Following a series of procedures, including a safety assessment, this Baihua Shecao water ultimately received approval: “This product is a traditional food with a continuous production history spanning many years and is hereby approved for management as a general food.” This product also became the first in China to proactively file a legally compliant “food‑with‑added‑ingredients registration” application.

6. This is the historical origin of Baihua Shecao Water. So, some friends may ask, “ Brother Gou, since this company is allowed to use Hedyotis diffusa, can our company use it as well? ”

Can it be used?

1 As mentioned earlier, Hedyotis diffusa is, in essence, still a traditional Chinese medicinal herb; the company’s ability to use it stems from one aspect… Has a production history spanning many consecutive years. ”, on the other hand, is also A specific product of a specific period (food additive registration) 。

2 In addition to the enterprises mentioned above, there are also other companies that have applied through the declaration process. / The product has been filed and approved, allowing its use. However, Dog Brother does not recommend that other companies adopt Hedyotis diffusa indiscriminately.

3 The “Administrative Measures on the Prohibition of Adding Chemicals to Food” have been repealed. Other enterprises wishing to use Hedyotis diffusa in a lawful and compliant manner may do so by… You can seek support through channels such as “application for novel food ingredients,” “policy support for regionally distinctive foods,” and “promotion of geographical indication registration for food safety.” For specific details, please consult your local Health Commission. 。

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Article reprinted from: Gou Ge Talks Food Safety WeChat Official Account

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