The health ministry has published a list of substances that must not be used in foods, together with a list of additives that should not be used excessively. The banned list contains some chemicals, such as melamine and the dye sudan red, that have been previously banned.
Until now, however, no central reference had been compiled.
Included on the list is boric acid, best known as an insecticide and flame retardant, but also used to increase the elasticity of noodles and dumplings.
The disinfectant formaldehyde lye has also been banned from being used to improve the appearance of dried seafood.
However the ministry has warned that the list cannot cover all problems linked to illegal substances in food.