South Korea Revises Food Standards and Regulations

On July 24, 2024, the Korea Food and Drug Safety Agency (MFDS) issued an important announcement, Announcement 2024-41, announcing a comprehensive and in-depth revision of the existing food standards and codes, aimed at enhancing the transparency of food labeling and enhancing consumers' right to know and freedom of choice. These amendments, effective immediately from the date of the announcement, have had a profound impact on the food industry in South Korea.

First of all, in order to better protect the health of infants and young children, the announcement specifically stipulates the labeling standards for infants and young children's food. All baby and toddler food packages must now clearly label the words "baby and toddler food" to help parents and guardians quickly identify and make safer, more nutritious choices.

Second, rules for naming and labeling mixed cooking oils have also been adjusted. The new rules allow producers to use the names of raw oils and require a detailed listing of the proportions of each oil component, a change that significantly improves product transparency and allows consumers to more accurately understand the ingredients at the time of purchase.

In addition, the announcement also made clear provisions on the treatment of frozen food thawing and reprocessing into frozen products. This amendment aims to prevent misleading consumers in the sale process and ensure that consumers can make correct judgments when buying and consuming these products.

In the case of alcoholic beverages, the announcement strengthens the requirements for calorie labeling. Caloric information for alcoholic beverages must now be more prominently labeled so that consumers can better monitor their caloric intake while enjoying their drinks and make healthier choices.

In order to limit the excessive use of natural pigments, the announcement limits the scope of application of color value labeling of natural pigment products. Only products that meet the relevant standards in the Food Standard Code can be labeled with color values, which helps to protect the rights and interests of consumers and prevent misunderstandings caused by misleading information.

The announcement also requires that information on content changes must be clearly marked when products reduce content and unit prices rise. This rule is designed to prevent consumers from unknowingly paying higher prices, thereby protecting consumers' economic rights and interests.

At the same time, the announcement expands the labeling requirements for nutritional information of sugar-free or unsweetened products. Now, these products must be labeled with details of sweetener use and calorie content to help diabetics and others concerned about their sugar intake make more informed decisions.

Finally, the announcement establishes the recommended daily intake of the three essential fatty acids and lists them as mandatory nutrients on the label. This change will help consumers better understand the nutritional value of food products and ensure they are able to meet their body's needs for these important nutrients.

Through these comprehensive improvements, the Korean government has demonstrated a strong commitment to food safety and consumer rights, creating a more equitable and transparent environment for the Korean food market. These amendments will not only enhance consumer trust, but will also drive the food industry in a healthier and more responsible direction.