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.

Top food regulatory updates in March 2024: 1) China Introduces 53 New GB Standards, with Food Additives (GB 2760), Food Contact Materials (GB 4806.15) and Dairy Products (GB 19644) Involved 2) Singapore Proposes Regulations in Defined Food and Pre-market Approval 3) Thailand Issued the Draft of MOPH Notification regarding Solvents Used in Extraction for Food Production 4) EU to Increase Quality Control Over Plastic Food Contact Materials 5) FDA Issues Final Guidance on New Dietary Ingredient Notification Procedures and Timeframes

On March 15, 2024, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a consultation document, seeking feedback on regulations for defined food and their pre-market approval. The draft regulations aim to clarify the responsibilities of companies selling novel and genetically modified (GM) foods in Singapore, requiring them to obtain pre-approval before market launch. Any comment can be submitted before May 14, 2024 via SFA.