Overview of International Food Policies and Violations This Week

In the week of December 9 to December 13, various countries and regions, including Russia and South Korea, issued policies and reports regarding food. The following content will detail foreign import and export policies and violation reports.

I. Foreign Import and Export Policies

South Korea Issues Import Inspection Directives for Chinese Garlic

On December 6, the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released inspection directives for the import of Chinese garlic.

South Korea Issues Import Inspection Directives for Chinese Roasted Peanuts

On December 6, the South Korean MFDS issued inspection directives for the import of Chinese roasted peanuts.

South Korea Issues Import Inspection Directives for Chinese Onions, Focusing on Thiamethoxam

On December 6, the South Korean MFDS released inspection directives for the import of Chinese onions.

Japan Lifts Enhanced Monitoring of Bromopropylate in Chinese Mushrooms

On December 9, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the cancellation of enhanced monitoring for bromopropylate in Chinese mushrooms based on current inspection results.

Thailand Issues New Standards and Certification Requirements for Imported Food Production Systems

On November 29, Thailand’s FDA announced new standards and certification requirements for the compliance of imported food production systems, effective immediately.

Russia Implements Enhanced Laboratory Testing for Products from a Seafood Company in Weihai, Shandong

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance announced the implementation of enhanced laboratory testing for a seafood company in Weihai, Shandong, due to non-compliance with product standards, effective December 4, 2024.

Russia Implements Enhanced Laboratory Testing for Products from a Food Company in Ningbo

On December 9, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance reported enhanced laboratory testing for a food company in Ningbo due to non-compliance with product standards, effective December 6, 2024.

II. Export Violation Reports

Recall of Garlic-Flavored Peanuts Exported from China in Singapore

On December 12, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a recall for garlic-flavored peanuts imported from China due to the detection of sweeteners in the product.

Excess Iodine Content in Dried Seaweed Exported from China

According to the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), on December 11, 2024, the EU reported non-compliance of dried seaweed exported from China. ECHEMI reminds exporters to strictly adhere to importing country requirements regarding iodine content to ensure the safety of food and related products and mitigate export risks.

Residue of Four Pesticides Detected in Green Tea Exported from China

According to the EU RASFF, on December 12, 2024, the EU reported non-compliance of green tea exported from China. ECHEMI advises exporters to comply with importing country requirements and check for pesticide residues to ensure product safety and avoid export risks.

Choking Hazard in Strip Jelly Exported from China

According to the EU RASFF, on December 9, 2024, the EU reported non-compliance of strip jelly exported from China. ECHEMI reminds exporters to ensure the safety of food and related products and mitigate export risks.

Non-compliance of Pizza Trays Exported from Taiwan, China

According to the EU RASFF, on December 10, 2024, the EU reported non-compliance of pizza trays exported from Taiwan, China. ECHEMI advises exporters to adhere to importing country requirements regarding materials that come into contact with food.

Non-compliance of Jelly Candies Exported from Taiwan, China

According to the EU RASFF, on December 9, 2024, Belgium reported non-compliance of jelly candies exported from Taiwan, China. The non-compliant products were sent to the Netherlands. ECHEMI advises exporters to ensure product safety and mitigate export risks.

Non-compliance of Lollipops and Food Supplements Exported from China

According to the EU RASFF, on December 10, 2024, the EU reported non-compliance of lollipops and food supplements exported from China. ECHEMI urges exporters to comply with importing country regulations and not use unauthorized substances in the EU.

Non-compliance of Grapefruit and Hydroxy Vitamin D3 Exported from China

According to the EU RASFF, on December 6, 2024, the EU reported non-compliance of grapefruit and hydroxy vitamin D3 exported from China, with non-compliant grapefruit sent to Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden. ECHEMI advises exporters to check for pesticide residues to ensure the safety of food and related products.

Non-compliance of Nylon Long-Handled Spoons Exported from Taiwan, China

According to the EU RASFF, on December 11, 2024, the EU reported non-compliance of nylon long-handled spoons exported from Taiwan, China. ECHEMI reminds exporters to ensure the safety of food and related products.

Non-compliance of Xanthan Gum and Stainless Steel Oil Dispensers Exported from China

According to the EU RASFF, on December 11, 2024, the EU reported non-compliance of xanthan gum and stainless steel oil dispensers exported from China. ECHEMI advises exporters to comply with exporting country regulations and check for pesticide residues.

Update on Food Export Violations to South Korea

In December 2024, food exports from China to South Korea involving seafood, processed foods, and agricultural products have resulted in violations, leading to returns to the exporting country or disposal.

EU Food and Feed Rapid Alert System (RASFF) Reports

According to the EU official website, in the week 49 report of 2024, the RASFF reported seven cases of non-compliance concerning Chinese food and related products. Non-compliant grapefruit was sent to Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden. ECHEMI reminds exporters to ensure product safety and mitigate export risks.