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Supervision
GACC Released the Administrative Measures for Comprehensive Bonded Zones
On January 5, 2022, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) released the Administrative Measures of the Customs of the People's Republic of China for Comprehensive Bonded Zones, with the effect from April 1, 2022. It includes the general principle, the management of import and export goods between the comprehensive bonded zones and overseas countries or regions, goods in and out of the bonded zones, as well as enterprises in the bonded zones.
SAMR Strengthens the Quality and Safety Supervision of Solid Beverage
On January 7, 2022, SAMR unveiled the announcement regarding strengthening the quality and safety supervision of solid beverage, which will be implemented on June 1, 2022. Compared with the previous exposure draft, the final version clarified that protein solid beverage, plant solid beverage, solid beverage for special uses, flavored solid beverage, and the minimum sales unit of solid beverage containing edible fungus should additionally indicate the warning that “this product cannot replace special food including food for special medical purposes, infant formula food and health food”. The color of the warning should be obviously different from its background.
Any message like “this product is suitable for certain groups including the minors, the elderly, the pregnant and lactating women, the patients and population having nutrition risks or suffering malnutrition” through words or graphics are not allowed to be showed or implied on the label or in the specification or promotional materials. Notably, “the pregnant and lactating women” is newly included in the latest announcement.
China to Boost Import of Consumer Goods
As revealed by the notice issued by China General Office of the State Council on January 11, 2021, China aims to boost the import of consumer goods by a series of measures, such as, further adjusting on the positive list of commodities traded through CBEC, expanding the categories of imported products to cater for more diverse consumer demand. Besides, setting more CBEC comprehensive pilot zones can also be expected.
On January 21, 2022, GACC published the list of non-compliant food products in December of 2021. A total of 352 batches of imported food from 43 countries/regions were rejected. Most non-compliant imported food in December came from Japan, followed by South Korea, Vietnam and US.
Taiwan Abolishes the Testing Method for Deoxynivalenol
On January 26, 2022, Taiwan FDA announced to abolish the testing method for Deoxynivalenol. The reason is Method of Test for Mycotoxins in Foods serves as the new testing method for Deoxynivalenol, which was set in 2021 and went into effect on January 1, 2022.
Regulation
SAC Unveils 530 Recommended Standards, Involving Wheat flour and FCM Products
On January 4, 2022, Standardization Administration of China (SAC) unveils 530 recommended standards for a variety of commodities, including the product standard for wheat flour and several FCM standards, such as Plastics and Aluminum Foil Laminated Retort Film and Pouch for Food Packaging. The full text of these new recommended standards will be released soon. Stay tuned for ChemLinked Regulatory Database.
Draft
China Consults on Health Function Catalogue for Health Food (2022) and Other Supporting Documents
On January 13, 2022, SAMR opened the new drafts of the Function Catalogue Allowed for Health Food Claims Non-nutrient Supplement (2022 Draft) and four supporting documents for public feedback. Any comments can be sent to [email protected] prior to February 12, 2022. According to the drafts, 3 functions in the current 27 health food functions catalogue and 4 functions whose application were already rejected by the former Ministry of Health are removed. For manufacturers who need to redo or complete more experiments, they should apply for alteration registration. Manufacturers shall stop the production of health foods (except health foods with canceled functions) whose functions are inconsistent with the Catalogue five years after the promulgation date of the official notice.
Taiwan Releases Seven Food Regulation Drafts in January
In January, Taiwan FDA released seven drafts regarding testing methods for food additives, veterinary drugs residues, contaminants, toxins, as well as food nutrition labeling. Among them, two amendment drafts are especially of great importance.
The first is the amendment to Standards for Veterinary Drug Residue Limits in Foods, which adds eight residual items of "Halquinol" and "Tildipirosin" in pig muscles, liver, kidney and fat (including skin).
The second is the amendment to Regulations on Nutrition Labeling for Prepackaged Food Products, which adds the unit per serving and labeling method for foods which are in tablet or capsule form. Besides, conditions for labeling "zero" caloric and nutrient values are revised. For more details please check ChemLinked News.
South Korea Launches New Pesticide MRLs Information Platform
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) launched the optimized online contaminant information platform on January 19, 2022. Enterprises can easily find the latest pesticide residue limits and veterinary drug limits in each food product on the platform. Check ChemLinked News here for the instructions to get access to the platform.
On January 27, 2022, MFDS modified the Food Code. The new version deletes the temporary standards of 74 un-registered pesticides and modifies the maximum residue limits of 131 pesticides.
South Korea Restores On-site Inspection of Foreign Food Facility
After a two-year remote inspection, MFDS announced to restore on-site inspection on foreign food facilities on January 28, 2022. The authority intends to inspect 490 foreign food facilities located in 35 countries. These facilities are designated to undergo on-site inspection for their products are likely to pose risks to humans or are the most consumed food products.
Japan to Revise the Enforcement Rules of the Plant Epidemic Prevention Law
On January 7, 2022, MAFF issued an amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Plant Epidemic Prevention Law, which proposed revising the national list or plant list of quarantine pests, such as Liriomyza bryoniae and Radopholus similis, in some imported plants. Any comments can be submitted before February 8, 2022.
Japan Suspends the Imports of Italian Pork Products
To prevent the introduction of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus into Japan, the import of pork products from Italy will be suspended from January 8, 2022.
Japan Releases Two Agricultural Standard Drafts
On January 17, 2022, the MHLW released two agricultural standard drafts for public consultation. They are Determination of the Procyanidins in Apple Juice--High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method, and Testing Method of K-value as a Freshness Index for Fish--High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method. Any comments can be submitted before February 15, 2022.
Japan Publicly Solicits Opinions on the Evaluation of Six Substances
On January 19, 2022, the Japanese Food Safety Commission (JFSC) passed the food safety risk assessment of four substances and announced to solicit opinions from the public on the safety assessment results. Any comments can be submitted before February 17, 2022. The security risk assessments are as follows:
· Carboxypeptidase (produced using JPAo007/JPAo008 strain): it will not cause adverse effects on human health;
· L-isoleucine (produced using corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM80189 strain): when properly used as a feed additive, it will not cause harm to human health;
· Glufosinate: an acute reference dose (ARfD) was specified;
On January 26, 2021, JFSC solicited opinions from the public on the safety assessment results of glicalpyramide, and α-glucosyltransferase, which will not cause adverse effects on human health. Any comments can be submitted before February 24, 2022.
MHLW Approves One Food Safety Review
On January 19, 2022, Japan MHLW announced one corn-related food that had passed the safety review procedures for recombinant DNA technology's application.
One Products Granted Labeling Approval in January
On January 21, 2022, Japan Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) approved the labeling license for one food for special dietary uses. This product is suitable for the diet of kidney disease.
Japan to Revise the Standards for Rice and Japonica Rice
On January 21, 2022, the MAFF publicly solicited opinions on the revision of the Standard Regulations for Agricultural Products (Rice and Japonica) (Draft). Any comments can be submitted before March 30, 2022. Major revisions include:
(1) Specifications: new varieties other than "Origin of species" have been added;
(2) Standardize the packaging specifications of materials other than traditional materials such as sacks and resin bags;
(3) Clarify relevant standards for the quality of japonica rice, and add quality standards based on machine identification.
On January 26, 2022, the JFSC publicly solicited opinions on the revision of the Standard Regulations for Agricultural Products (Rice and Japonica) (Draft), which added the rating of cephamycins. Any comments can be submitted before February 24, 2022.
On January 26, 2022, the JFSC publicly solicited opinions on the revision of the Guidelines for Health Impact Assessment of Drug-resistant Bacteria Screened for Use of Antibacterial Substances on Livestock, which subdivided the "antibacterial substances" into "antibacterial substances for humans" and "antibacterial substances for animals". Any comments can be submitted before February 24, 2022.
Indonesia Seeks Comments on the Labeling of Health Supplements
On January 3, 2022, Indonesia BPOM issued a notice regarding the proposed labeling requirements of health supplements, and announced to seek public comments till January 10, 2022. As revealed by the notice, imported health supplement must be carried with a mark, which shall conform to the corresponding Distribution Permit when entering Indonesia. Besides, all the labeling items must be written and printed in Indonesian, Arabic numerals and Latin alphabet, except for the product name.
Indonesia Regulates Claims on Processed Food Labels and Advertisements
On January 4, 2022, Indonesia Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) enacted Regulation of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency Number 1 of 2022 concerning Supervision of Claims on Processed Food Labels and Advertisements, with the purpose of updating the current regulation. This regulation came into effect immediately after BPOM's announcement with a 30-month grace period. For imported food, the test report can be issued by either local labs that are approved by local government, or other local labs which have signed a mutual recognition agreement with authorized Indonesian organizations or labs.
India to Include Enzymes Derived from GM Sources Under Processing Aids
On January 4, 2022, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a draft regarding the inclusion of enzymes derived from genetically modified sources under processing aids. It also announced to solicit online public feedback within 60 days from the release of the draft. The draft mainly added Table 11 A: Enzymes derived from Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMM), which stipulated the production organism, donor organism, functional and technological purpose, the use of indicative food, and residue level for each enzyme.
India to Amend Regulations Regarding Various Food Products
On January 6, 2022, FSSAI proposed to amend regulations regarding a variety of food products, such as sheep milk, oils, desiccated coconut, wheat flour, refined iodized salt, etc. In addition, the draft revised the limit on reducing sugar in sugarcane Jaggery and Palmyrah Jaggery, liquid nitrogen dosing in “natural mineral water” and “packaged drinking water”, substances added to food, as well as microbiological standards. Any comment can be submitted online before March 7, 2022.
Singapore Updates the Maximum Residue Limits of Veterinary Drugs in Food
As per the announcement issued by Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on January 7, 2022, Singapore revised the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of veterinary drugs in foods. The new provisions on MRLs, which are in line with international standards, has been effective starting from January 17, 2022. The latest version involves more than 700 MRL items. Click here for the complete list of MRLs of veterinary drugs residues in food in Singapore.
India Allows the Use of Either New or Old Names of Probiotic Strains for Product Packaging
According to the notice issued on January 13, 2022, FSSAI decided to allow the use of either old or new names of probiotic strains on the product packaging since the taxonomy of several probiotic microorganisms has been revised. Involved product includes health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use, food for special medical purpose, functional food, and novel food.
India Allows the Use of Guarana as a Source of Caffeine
On January 11, 2022, FSSAI released a notice, revealing that Paullinia cupana (Guarana) as a source of caffeine is allowed as long as the isolated and purified caffeine has the same structure and properties as pure caffeine. Such caffeine sourced from Guarana and the level of such caffeine should comply with Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR). In case Guarana extract with standardized content of caffeine along with other active components are to be used either as a supplement or as nutraceutical ingredient, such ingredient shall pass prior approval under NSF & FI regulations.
India Clarifies the Import Requirements for Raw Cashew Nut
On January 18, 2022, FSSAI issued a circular to clarify the import requirements of raw cashew nut. In order to facilitate the import trade of raw cashew nut, before the official release of its product standard, it is regarded as “food not specified”. The general provisions in the FSS (Contaminants, Toxins & Residues) Regulations, 2022 will apply to the import inspection of raw cashew nut. The circular will go into effect as of the date of promulgation.
India Implements the Provision in the Standard Regarding Packaging
On January 18, 2022, FSSAI decided to operationalize the provision in Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2022 with immediate effect. The amendment was unveiled on September 17, 2021 without releasing an official notification. The provision came into effect this time covers products made of recycled plastics including carry bags that may be used for packaging, storing, carrying or dispensing of food products as and when standards and guidelines are framed. Such packaging materials shall also comply with other national standards/regulations as applicable.
Thailand Unveils Guidelines for Use Active Ingredients in Dietary Supplements
On January 26, 2022, Thailand FDA issued a notice on the guidelines for the use of active ingredients in dietary supplements, which made it clear that dietary supplements are a kind of food, and the quality or standard must be submitted for registration in accordance with relevant regulations. In order to facilitate the application for permission of dietary supplement products: (1) cancel the notice on the list of dietary supplements that can be used for plant products and the list of dietary supplements that can be used for plant products; (2) When applying for the food serial number of dietary supplements, applicants can use the guidelines for the use of active ingredients in dietary supplements. If the use of active ingredients in dietary supplements is in accordance with the guide, the products used do not need to apply for safety assessment, or submit a safety assessment application before applying for permission. The main contents of the list in the guide include: name, source, active ingredients, production process, use conditions and methods, etc.
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