Objective To improve the regulations of using processing aids in food industries; and to strengthen the management of using processing aids. Method Carrying out investigations on processing aids (excluding enzymes) used in food industries, including the name, function, scope of application, level in use and residues etc. Results The problems on processing aids used in China were not clarifying in definitions, imperfection on principles of incorporation, lack of clear scope of application and the maximum level for use (or the allowed level for residues) etc. Conclusion Regulations for processing aids in China need to be further improved in combining the surveyed results of using processing aids in food industry with referring the regulations used in other countries.