South Korea's MFDS Announces Significant Revisions to the Food Additive Codex

On June 26th, 2024, the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) officially issued Announcement No. 2024-308, announcing plans to make important modifications to parts of the Food Additive Codex. This revision aims to further regulate the use of food additives, ensure food safety and quality, and protect the health rights of consumers.

Firstly, the MFDS will expand the certification standards for natural sources of preservatives. This measure is based on the in-depth understanding of the widespread application and research of natural preservatives in the field of food safety. Natural preservatives, with their safe, non-toxic, and side-effect-free characteristics, have gradually gained favor in the food industry. By expanding the certification standards, more high-quality natural preservatives will be included in the regulatory scope, providing more options for food preservation.

Secondly, the MFDS has modified the usage standards for certain food additives. This includes newly setting usage standards for six additives, such as sulfur dioxide, in fruit wines. This adjustment is based on in-depth research on the production process of fruit wines and the mechanism of action of food additives. Sulfur dioxide, as a common antioxidant and preservative, plays an important role in fruit wine production. By setting clear usage standards, the quality and safety of fruit wines can be ensured.

Furthermore, the MFDS has expanded the use of propylene glycol in the food industry. As a common food additive, propylene glycol has multiple functions such as moisturizing, thickening, and emulsifying. By expanding its usage range, it will better meet the production needs of the food industry and improve the quality and taste of food products.

Additionally, the MFDS has revised the usage standards for the combined use of 16 coal tar-derived food colorants, including Green No. 3. This adjustment aims to ensure the safe use of food colorants and avoid potential health risks to consumers due to excessive use.

Apart from the above, the MFDS has also made changes to certain terminologies to more accurately express the relevant concepts and regulations regarding food additives. Additionally, the composition specifications and test methods for some food additives have been modified and improved to ensure their quality and safety.

The public comment period for these revision proposals will last until August 26th, 2024. During this time, the MFDS will widely solicit opinions and suggestions from various parties to ensure the scientific and reasonable nature of the revisions. This also provides a valuable opportunity for the food industry and relevant stakeholders to participate in and contribute to the progress and development of food safety regulations.

In summary, the MFDS Announcement No. 2024-308 represents a significant revision to the Food Additive Codex. Through measures such as expanding the certification standards for natural preservatives, modifying the usage standards for certain food additives, and expanding the use of propylene glycol, the revisions will further regulate the use of food additives and ensure food safety and quality. This process also offers a valuable opportunity for the food industry and related stakeholders to participate in and jointly promote the progress and development of food safety regulations.