Recently, Lloyd's Register—a globally renowned third-party independent inspection and certification body—awarded the food industry's first QbD certification to the infant formula division of Yili, one of the world's top five dairy companies. This signifies that Quality by Design (QbD) certification, long esteemed in the pharmaceutical sector, will now empower the food industry by establishing more rigorous scientific management and quality control systems.Currently, the QbD philosophy is fully integrated into the R&D and production of the Gold Crown product line. While setting new records in the infant formula industry and broader food sector, Yili Gold Crown has also established a new gold standard for quality in the infant formula industry through its industry-leading capabilities.
Kwan Yu, Senior Vice President of Lloyd's Register (left), presents the certificate to Liu Chunxi, Vice President of Yili Group (right)
Is quality detected or produced? QbD asserts that "quality is designed." Quality by Design (QbD) is a globally recognized systematic R&D methodology grounded in robust scientific knowledge and quality risk management.It mandates applying a "start with the end in mind" philosophy throughout the entire product development and production lifecycle. This involves in-depth research across formula design, process route and parameter selection, material control, and other aspects, accumulating detailed data to achieve precise product quality transformation and control requirements. Due to its scientific rigor, QbD certification has always played a crucial role in pharmaceutical R&D and monitoring.
By establishing a QbD-based R&D platform for the development of its Gold Crown products in alignment with pharmaceutical industry standards, and successfully obtaining QbD certification after a rigorous year-long audit, Yili has achieved a major leap in quality standards within the infant formula sector. This signifies that Gold Crown is produced under development controls approaching pharmaceutical-grade rigor.At the certification ceremony, Guan Yu, Senior Vice President of Lloyd's Register, praised this initiative: "We are delighted to see Yili Milk Powder take the lead in introducing QbD certification and successfully passing our rigorous assessment. Awarding Yili Milk Powder this QbD-based design and development compliance certificate marks the first time QbD certification has been granted to a food enterprise. This is a milestone event not only for the infant formula industry but for the entire food sector."During the event, Paul Butcher, Global President of Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance and Inspection Services, delivered video greetings.
Paul Butcher, Global President of Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance and Inspection Services, addressed the event via video link.
By adopting pharmaceutical-grade certification standards and imposing additional challenges on top of the inherent complexity of food processing, Gold Crown demonstrates the confidence and boldness expected of China's leading infant formula brand.The ultimate goal of the infant formula industry is to achieve "breast milk simulation" in formulations. Yili's 18-year breast milk research embodies the QbD principle of "starting with the end in mind." This endeavor has not only accumulated millions of data points and established China's first corporate breast milk composition database but also secured five key national patents in formulation technology. These innovations have been successfully translated into commercial products.The recently upgraded and launched Jinlingguan Zhenhuo combines five innovative Chinese patented formulas with a six-dimensional nutrient absorption system, sparking industry discussion.In terms of farm-source control, process selection, and quality management, Yili consistently leads the industry. Its commitment to sourcing from the exclusive top 1% of Yili farms, using 100% raw milk processed into powder in a single step, and implementing the renowned "three-line" quality control system all underscore the brand's unwavering pursuit of excellence.Liu Chunxi, Vice President of Yili Group, stated, "The QbD certification affirms our rigorous quality control throughout the entire infant formula R&D lifecycle and motivates us to strive for even greater excellence. Staying true to our founding mission, we forge ahead with determination."
Yili Milk Powder Division Receives Food Industry's First QbD Certification
Core patented formula advantages and continuously upgraded quality management systems have forged Gold Crown's formidable market competitiveness and future potential. The issuance of the food industry's first QbD certification not only honors Yili Gold Crown but also signifies that China's infant formula sector has attained the capability to meet higher and stricter market demands.