To realize the present situation of native functional foods, the annual number of certification, the distribution of claimed functions, the raw materials and the related effective components, and the distribution of forms of the products in the years 1996-2005 were analyzed based on the data from the Ministry of Health and SFDA. The results showed that the number of approval was the least (59) in 1996 while that in 2004 was the most ( 1503 ). The functions of the products were mainly focused on improving immunity, alleviating fatigue and lowering blood-fat as assistance. Medlar, pachyma cocos, hawkthorns propolis, extract of grape seed and gingko were the most commonly used raw materials in the production. Saponin, flavone and amylase were the most staple effective agents. Capsule (37.71%), pill (19.35%) and peroral liquid (11.46%) were the three dominant forms of preparation. All the data indicated that the number of the approved products was large ( 8684 ), whereas there were many undesirable problems, such as low scientific level, low-level repeat, and uneven distributions of the function and the materials as well as the preparation formulations. It is necessary to revise and perfect the laws concerning the functional foods, enhance the fundamental research, and guide non-government organizations to play positive roles, so as to promote the continuable development of the industry.