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South Korea Updates Food Additive Code
On March 9, 2021, MFDS disclosed the latest version of Food Additive Code. It designated the benzoic acid of tiny amounts as a nature-derived additive and modified four additives' usage standards. To prevent the overuse or misuse of sterilizing agents, South Korea also modified the standards of using sterilizing agents on utensils in the new version.
South Korea Consults on the GMO Food Standard
On March 11, 2021, South Korea opened the draft of “Safety Assessment Standard of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Food” for public feedback. For processed GMO products containing safety-ensured genetically modified agricultural or fishery ingredients, their safety assessment could be exempted from corresponding materials. Besides, the data of repeated oral dose toxicity test will be required for the evaluation of GMO food safety. Stakeholders can send suggestions to MFDS prior to May 10, 2021.
South Korea Revises Health Functional Food Code
On March 25, 2021, MFDS revealed the latest version of Health Functional Food. The competent authority permitted that individually-recognized functional ingredients can be used in Based Materials (원료성 제품). It also issued new substances for the functional ingredients, and adjusted the maximum intake of EPA and DHA Oil, etc.
South Korea Updates the Food Code
On March 25, 2021, MFDS announced the amendment to the Food Code. The new version modifies several categories’ definitions and specifications. Besides, five new food raw materials and the requirements of two pathogenic bacteria are added. The plant raw material categorization and food storage and distribution standard are optimized as well.
South Korea to Intensify the Supervision on Imported Food
MFDS released the draft of the Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act on March 25, 2021. To ensure overseas factories compliant with the local food law, MFDS would additionally request the applicants to submit a sanitation certificate of the Foreign Food Facility. Additionally, the sanitary certificate of the imported livestock products would be a compulsory document to submit. Suggestions can be sent to [email protected] before May 4, 2021.
South Korea to Amend the Food Additive Code
MFDS issued the draft of Food Additive Code on March 25, 2021. The draft introduced a new category of spice, incorporated natural spices and artificial spices into the spice classification so as to keep aligned with the international standard. The draft also proposed the addition of 60 new raw materials for producing additives. The usage standard and test methods were to be modified as well. Suggestions can be sent to MFDS before May 24, 2021.
South Korea Consults on Food Code
On March 30, MFDS posted two drafts of the Food Code (No. 2021-133 and No. 2021-134). Draft No. 2021-133 mainly proposes the standard of fungal toxin (Aflatoxin M1) in goat milk should be under 0.50μg/kg. Draft No. 2021-134 mainly modifies the general food standard to reduce the restrictions of food categorizing. Other modifications involve new food types, distribution methods, and pesticide MRLs. Suggestions about both drafts shall be sent to MFDS before May 31, 2021.
South Korea Consults on the On-site Inspection Method and Standard of Overseas OEM
On March 29, 2021, MFDS rolled out the draft of the On-Site Inspection Method and Standard of Imported Food from Overseas OEM. This standard is newly formulated to regulate the standard of food manufacturing out of South Korea. It mainly clarifies the sanitation standard, inspection standard, and inspection exemptions, etc. Stakeholders can send suggestions to MFDS before April 16.
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