By analyzing the development history of food for special medical purposes (FSMP) in China, the current situation and barriers of the industry were analyzed, and some exploratory suggestions were provided for reference to provide a certain basis for relevant policy formulation and industrial development trend. The enterprise manufacturer should timely understand and accurately interpret the policy, strengthen basic research, enhance innovation ability, meet the market demand with Chinese characteristics, pay attention to the effect feedback to optimize product design. It is recommended to establish a system to monitor the effects of FSMPs in clinical application as well as a hierarchical reporting system, so as to obtain real⁃world research data through the regulating system for the clinical application of FSMP products, and to produce high⁃quality real⁃world evidence to improve the post⁃market quality regulation system. The concept of FSMP among patients and their families should be promoted, to strengthen the publicity efforts, expand the channels of publicity, and deepen the understanding of consumers on its clinical effects. With demand⁃oriented policies and systems, the industry of FSMP that integrates various disciplines might provide new insights into the coordinated development of industries, universities, research institutes and end⁃users. The industry of FSMP will have to form a model that integrates product efficiency, patients′ satisfaction and enterprises′ profitability, and reduce the burden on individuals, families, medical institutions and even the government.