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The National Health Commission (NHC) of the People’s Republic of China has permitted the use of vitamins B1 and B2 in beverages and has also increased the maximum authorised dosage of taurine. The NHC Food Safety Standards and Monitoring and Evaluation department announced that the Chinese authorities are expanding the use of vitamin B1 and B2 into beverages for special purposes, such as sports and nutrition drinks. Approved dosage of these vitamins is set at 2mg/kg to 5mg/kg. Prior to this announcement, vitamins B1 and B2 were only allowed to be incorporated as food additives into dairy powder for children and pregnant women, as well as certain other food items. Meanwhile, the NHC is increasing the maximum permitted dosage of taurine from 0.5g/kg to 0.6g/kg. In China, taurine is currently approved for use in beverages for special purposes such as sports and nutritional drinks. Taurine is a type of amino acid found in meat and seafood, among others and is a popular ingredient around the world for many energy drinks. In 2020, Red Bull – known for its taurine beverages – was named the best selling energy drink brand in stores in China, according to Statista, accounting for around 52% of all energy drinks sales. The news follows a review released in April by Chinese researchers that suggested supplementation with appropriate doses of taurine may help to reduce visual fatigue. The review said that taurine, as a natural amino acid, has a high safety profile and is allowed to be added to functional drinks and other food products in many countries. It added that its application in the development of functional foods for the relief of visual fatigue is very promising.