This study aimed at a better understanding of the distribution range of the essential nutrients contents in older infants formula (6-12 month) in China, discussed the influence of the new requirements proposed by Codex Alimentarius Commission(CAC), and could provide references for the further revision of related national standards.Methods Based on 1 476 case data from older infants formulas in the market, the content of essential nutrients which were ruled by GB 10767-2010 was determined and compared with the limit value of GB 10767-2010. Results For some essential nutrients whose upper limits have not been defined in GB 10767-2010, the measured values were 3.23-1 525.94 times higher than the lower limit, and the 95 percentile of the values was 2.27-9.42 times higher than the lower limit. The formulas in China would be impacted considerably by the following recommendation from the CAC:protein, fat, thiamine, biotin, sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and so on.Conclusion Although the upper limit was not defined, most of the follow-up formula for older infants in China controlled the essential nutrients contents to no more than 5 times of the GB lower limit. But some of the formulas were significantly higher than normal. It was suggested that the upper limit in related national standard for older infants and young children formula should be further revised and perfected.