Top food regulatory updates in April 2024: 1). South Korea Updates Food Code, Involving Food Raw Material Lists, MRLs and Inspection 2). Indonesia to Update the list of Permitted Nutrients in Health Supplements with Restrictions 3). Malaysia to Amend Milk and Milk Products Regulations of Food Regulations 1985 4). EU Issued Eight Amendments to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470, the Union List of Novel Foods

Malaysia is consulting on the revisions to Food Regulation 1985 regarding milk and milk production regulations.

Recently, Indonesia BPOM released the Second Amendment to BPOM Regulation No. 31 of 2018 on Processed Food Labels, which came into effect on April 5, 2024. However, BPOM provides a four-year grace period for stakeholders to ensure compliance with the new requirements. As per the second amendment, due to the risks associated with Bisphenol A (BPA) in bottled drinking water, BPOM has reinforced the labeling requirements for bottled drinking water.

Malaysia has approved the registration of natural products with modern claims, effective from April 4, 2024. On April 15, 2024, the NPRA issued the full text of this Guidance.

On April 3, 2024, Indonesia BPOM revealed a drafted amendment to BPOM Regulation No.32 of 2022 on Criteria and Administration of Health Supplement Registration. The proposed amendment mainly revises the list of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other ingredients permitted for use in health supplements with restrictions in Annex VII. The revisions will impact the usage of Selenium and Zinc, which are vital nutrients for pregnant and breastfeeding women.