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Supervision
China Customs Rejected 339 Batches of Imported Foods in April of 2022
On May 18, 2022, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) published the list of non-compliant food products in April of 2022. A total of 339 batches of imported food from 34 countries/regions were rejected. Most non-compliant imported food in April came from Indonesia, followed by Taiwan, China and Japan.
CFSA Issues Tips for the Purchase and Consumption of Cold Chain Food
Currently, affected by the covid outbreak brought by imported cold chain food, the concern about food safety issue has been generally aroused among consumers. On May 18, 2022, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) issued a notice to offer tips and suggestions for consumers when purchasing and consuming cold chain food. In the notice, CFSA answered several FAQs regarding the safety of cold chain food, and appealed to the consumers to buy imported cold chain food via official channels.
On May 20, 2022, State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced to postpone the date of implementing Announcement Regarding Strengthening the Quality and Safety Supervision of Solid Beverage. Affected by COVID-19, some solid beverage manufacturers reflected that quite a few old package materials were overstocked because the production plan was disrupted. Therefore, the government decided that the manufacturers can use the current package till December 31, 2022, if those materials cannot be used up prior to June 1, 2022.
China to Strengthen Food Safety Standards and Risk Monitoring & Assessment
As per the 14th Five-Year National Health Plan published on May 20, 2022 by General Office of the State Council, China proposed to improve the food safety risk monitoring and assessment system and the food safety technical support system by implementing actions for risk assessment, accelerating the formulation and revision of national food safety standards, enhancing the ability to identify the risks of food pollutants, etc.
SAMR Publishes the Results of Spot Checks of Food-related Products in 2021
On May 26, 2022, SAMR published the results of spot checks of food-related products in 2021. A total of 1,167 batches of products including plastic bottle for infants, paper cups and disposable chopsticks were selected as the inspection targets, with a product failure rate of 5.1%. Common non-compliance reasons include the improper use of raw materials, excessive bacterial amounts and toxic substances.
Regulation
China Permits 36 New Food Raw Materials, Additives and Food-related Products
On May 5, 2022, China National Health Commission (NHC) published a list of 36 newly approved substances, including 3 new food raw materials, 18 new food additives, and 15 food-related products. Among them, a new bacterial culture named Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BB536 was permitted to be used in infant food. Two new food additives, namely, Glutamine transaminase and Lutein, can be used in some dairy products now.
GACC Releases Updated Product Specific ROOs (PSRs) under CEPA with Hong Kong and Macao
On May 13, 2022, GACC released the catalogue of updated Product Specific ROOs (PSRs) under Hong Kong CEPA Agreement on Trade in Goods and Macao CEPA Agreement on Trade in Goods, which has come into effect on May 16, 2022. The catalogue contains the latest HS codes and product names. The consignor of exporting goods or its agent and visa agency shall apply for and issue the Hong Kong and Macao CEPA certificate of origin in accordance with the standards of origin listed in the annex to this announcement.
China Amends GB Standard for Requirements of Restricting Excessive Package for Foods
On May 24, 2022, SAMR unveiled the official first amendment sheet of GB 23350-2021 Requirements of Restricting Excessive Package–Foods and Cosmetics, with effect since August 15, 2022. Compared with the second draft, there's no substantial changes on the official version.
Taiwan Updates Regulations for the Import of Shark Fins Amendment
On May 12, 2022, Taiwan Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, published the Regulations for Import of Shark Fins Amendment, stipulating the import procedures of and required materials for shark fins. Besides, the situations for import rejection are also provided and explained in the regulations.
Taiwan Updates Checkpoints for Imported Food and Food-related Products
On May 13, 2022, Taiwan FDA released a notice to update the checkpoints for imported food and food-related products. The notice mainly supplements the requirements for open-case inspection, that is, when the imported product number exceeds 4,000, 1 additional imported product will be required for open inspection in every additional 500 imported products.
To in line with the international trend of circular economy, Taiwan released an application process to help enterprises using recycled PET chips and flakes in food container and packaging manufacturing on May 12, 2022.
Taiwan Issues Guidance on the Management of Foods Detected with Melamine
As per an official notice, Taiwan FDA released Guidance on the Management of Foods Detected with Melamine on May 24, 2022. Learning from the experience from developed countries and international organizations, Taiwan FDA puts forward measures to prevent and reduce the contamination of melamine in foods, as well as sets corresponding action levels. As per the Guidance, It is illegal to add melamine into food intentionally. Since melamine may be present in food due to the inevitable migration from food contact material, etc., Taiwan sets action levels for the detection of melamine in foods.
Taiwan Revises Sanitation Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food
On May 31, 2022, Taiwan FDA unveiled Sanitation Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food - Amendment on Article 6 and Appendix 3 of Article 5 with effect from January 1, 2024. This amendment adds the limit of glycidyl fatty acid ester pollutants in edible oils and fats, and tightens the limit management on edible oils and fats used for producing cereal-based complementary foods and non-staple foods for infants and young children.
Taiwan Amends MRLs of Pesticide and Veterinary Drug in Foods
In May, Taiwan FDA released Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods (Amendment on Appendix 1 of Article 3) and Standards for Veterinary Drug Residue Limits in Foods Amendment. The Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of Chlorpyrifos in 32 items were deleted from the former amendment, while MRLs of Halquinol and Tildipirosin in 8 items were added to the latter amendment.
Taiwan Amends Four Food Testing Methods
In May, Taiwan FDA amended four food testing methods, namely, Test Method for Food Additive Specification — Nitrogen, Test Method for Food Additive Specification — Pectins, Test Method for Food Additive Specification — Sodium Hydroxide and Method of Test for Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Fish Oils.
Draft
China to Regulate Special Marks of Wildlife Products, Involving Health Food
On May 6, 2022, China National Forestry and Grassland Administration opened the draft of Administrative Measures of Special Marks for Wildlife Under National Major Conservation and Their Products for public comments. As per the draft, health food containing ingredients from terrestrial wild animals under national major conservation must obtain production licenses and use special marks.
Taiwan Drafts the Labeling Regulation for Prepackaged Honey and Its Syrup Products
On May 11, 2022, Taiwan FDA promulgated Regulations Governing the Labeling of Prepackaged Honey and its Syrup Products, which will be implemented on July 1, 2023 (i.e., applicable for products manufactured after July 1, 2023). This regulation applies to prepackaged honey and syrup products sold to both consumers and businesses, but it is not applicable to royal jelly, molasses or processing food produced from honey such as honey cake. The draft specifies that only when honey is the sole ingredient can the product be labeled as "honey", "100% honey", "pure honey" or equivalent words. Otherwise, the product should indicate "sugar added honey", "blended honey", "honey flavor", etc. in its name depending on different situations.
Taiwan Drafts Regulations Governing the Labeling of Health Food
As per the notice released by Taiwan FDA on May 31, 2022, Taiwan opened Regulations Governing the Labeling of Health Food for public feedback. The draft mainly added some new requirements for the labeling of health food containing fish oil or red yeast rice. Any feedback can be sent to [email protected] within 60 days after the promulgation date.
Taiwan to Amend Safety Assessment Method of Genetically Modified Food
On May 31, 2022, Taiwan FDA unveiled the draft of Guidelines for Safety Assessment Method of Genetically Modified Food. The proposed draft mainly deletes the references, revises some expressions and adds a new annex regarding safety assessment of GM food with multiple traits. Any comments can be sent to [email protected] before July 31, 2022.South Korea Consults on Food Code
On May 3, 2022, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued a notification to solicit public opinions on the amendments to Food Code. The authority intends to modify the definition of “good quality and freshness” and add the definition of “corruption” for food raw materials, in order to prevent food manufactured with low-quality raw materials under unhygienic conditions. The draft also deletes the capsule's pH range (3.0 ∼ 7.5), which makes it possible to manufacture capsules with alkaline materials such as calcium carbonate. In addition, the pH of ice is to be modified as per the pH specification of drinking water. Opinions can be sent to MFDS before July 4, 2022.
South Korea to Amend the Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act
On May 4, 2022, MFDS released the draft of Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act. The proposed amendments include designating products’ photo as a required document for import declaration, expanding the scope of non-compliant imported products that can be allowed to be used as feeds and permitting residential building to be used as the office for conducting imported food business. Stakeholders can send suggestions to MFSD prior to July 4, 2022.
South Korea Consults on the Enforcement Rule of Food Labeling Act
On May 12, 2022, MFDS issued the draft of the Enforcement Rule of Food Labeling Act. The daily nutrient intake standard is to be modified following the amendments in National Nutrition Management Act. The draft also proposes to optimize the provisions of administrative penalty, including clarifying the starting point of penalty charging, and specifying the illegal actions in labeling the food additives, etc. Suggestions are welcome before June 21, 2022.
South Korea Updates the Food Code
On May 20, 2022, MFDS published the latest version of Food Code. The amendments in the new version mainly focus on the pesticide residue limits in agricultural foods. The maximum limits of 67 kinds of pesticides are modified, including Meptyldinocap, Maleic hydrazide, etc. Additionally, the test methods for 4 pesticides are newly inserted in the new version.
To help the industry easily find the detailed maximum residue limits and decrease the burden to monitor the changes, Korean authority launched the optimized online contaminant information platform on January 19, 2022. Check ChemLinked guideline on using the New Pesticide MRLs Information Platform here.
South Korea Extends Inspection Period of Five Imported Food
On May 26, MFSD released a notice to publish the imported foods subject to the inspection order in line with the stipulations under the Imported Food Act. Imported Kimchi from five manufacturers in China had already been designated to undergo mandatory inspection from December 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. Before the inspection period ends, the authority announced to expand the inspection period from June 1 to November 30, 2022.
South Korea to Enhance Management of Imported Food and Medicine
On May 29, the National Assembly passed seven drafts of food and medicine regulations. The proposals about food requirements include strengthening the control on risk materials in online directly purchased overseas food, expanding the scope of good food manufacturers, and stipulating the safety standards of recycled resources, etc. Although the amendments have not been officially released yet, enterprises can get to know Korean policy direction in advance for reference. ChemLinked will keep you informed on the following updates.
Cosmetics, food, and other commodities shall comply with the rate of packaging space, number of package layers, and re-packaging limits. Otherwise, enterprises of these products will face an administrative penalty ranging from 1 to 3 million won. On May 31, 2022, ChemLinked elaborated the requirements of packaging space rate, packaging layer, and re-packaging for enterprises’ reference. Check here to find more.
On May 30, the Deputy Prime Minister summoned the First Economic Ministerial Meeting to discuss the stabilization of people's livelihood issues. On the food aspect, the authority found common ground in reducing the tariff on imported food and providing financial subsidies to stabilize the food prices. Imported foods subject to this policy involve edible oil (soybean oil, sunflower seed oil), pork, wheat, wheat powder, processed egg product, root vegetables for feed, coffee beans, cocoa beans, and duty-free agricultural products.
Japan Strengthens Quarantine of Import and Export of Harmful Animals and Plants
On May 2, 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan released a revision to the Plant Protection Act, aiming to prevent pests from adhering to imported plants and invading Japan. The implementation date will be officially announced within one year after May 2, 2022, the announcement date.
Japan Releases the Draft for the Japanese Agricultural Standards of Processed Low Protein Brown Rice
On May 12, 2022, Japan released a draft for the Japanese Agricultural Standards of Processed Low Protein Brown Rice Pack for public consultation. The draft includes the scope of application, terms and definitions, and standard requirements. Any comment can be submitted before June 10, 2022.
On May 12, 2022, Japan unveiled a draft for public consultation for the Japanese Agricultural Standards of Processed Foods Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans. The draft involved the scope of application, terms and definitions, processed food standards, production process management standards, manufacturing standards and labeling regulations, etc. Any comment can be submitted before June 10, 2022.
CAA Notifies A Food is Approved for Special Use Labeling
On May 13, 2022, the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan announced that a kind of food used to adjust the stickiness had passed the labeling application, allowing the labeling of "food for special dietary uses" on the product packaging.
Japan Proposes to Revise the Residue limits of Seven Pesticide and Veterinary Drugs
On May 16, 2022, MHLW released a draft for the Standards and Criteria for Food and Food Additives, etc., seeking comments from the public before June 14. According to the draft, seven pesticides and veterinary drugs including Spinosad will be revised. Besides, benzoic acid is also designated as an exempted substance (a pesticide that does not cause harm to human health even if it is used in the production of agricultural products, and even if it remains in the food).
Japan Revises the Residue Limits of Seven Pesticides in Food
On May 20, 2022, Japan MHLW released an amendment to the Standards and Criteria for Food and Food Additives, etc. According to the amendment, the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of Uniconazole P, Oxathiapiprolin, Cadusafos, Pyribencarb, Fenazaquin, Broflanilide, Pendimethalin were revised, involving 116 kinds of food. The raised MRLs have come into force since its publication on May 20, 2022, while the rest will have a one-year transition period.
Japan Propose to Revise Maximum Residue Limits for Agricultural Chemicals
On May 23, 2022, WTO unveiled notification G/SPS/N/JPN/1024 and G/SPS/N/JPN/1025, planning to revise the maximum residue limits for Ampicillin and Afidopyropen. Any comments can be submitted within 60 days.
Japan Publicly Solicits Opinions on the Evaluation of Three Substances
In May 2022, the Japanese Food Safety Commission (JFSC) passed the food safety risk assessment for two substances and solicited opinions from the public on the safety assessment results. The details are as follows:
Date | Substance | Security risk assessments | Deadline |
May 18, 2022 | It will not cause damage to human health under the current risk management. | June 16, 2022 | |
May 25, 2022 | An acute reference dose (ARfD: 0.015 mg/kg bw) was specified. | June 23, 2022 |
Japan Imposes Additional Requirements on Brazilian Beef Imports
On May 30, 2022, Japan MHLW released an additional document for beef imported from Brazil. If multiple processing facilities are involved in the production of Brazilian Beef products, enterprises shall attach the additional document to the import hygiene certificate.Vietnam to Revise the Inspection and Quarantine Law on Terrestrial Animals and Animal Products
On May 4, 2022, the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam notified WTO on the amendment/supplement of the Circular that provided regulation on inspection and quarantine of terrestrial animals and animal products. The draft Circular amends and supplements the guidance on implementing the inspection and quarantine of terrestrial animals and animal products. Besides, it modifies and supplements point C, Article 1, Section II, appendix XII of the guidelines. The draft Circular is scheduled to enter into force on June 30, 2022.
Singapore Clarifies the Labeling Requirements for Prepacked Herbs
On May 14, 2022, Singapore Food Agency clarified that under the Singapore Food Regulations, all prepacked food products sold in Singapore must be labelled in English, and contain basic information including a common name or description of the food and a complete statement of the ingredients. Chinese herbs are considered as food-health products, given their use as ingredients for both medicinal and food products. Prepacked herbs for culinary purposes and not intended for medicinal purposes shall comply with SFA’s food safety standards and labelling requirements.
India to Ensure Compliance of Labeling Requirements of Multi Source Edible Vegetable Oil
As per the notice released by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on May 17, 2022, "multi-source edible vegetable oil" refers to the mixture of any two edible vegetable oils, in which the weight proportion of any edible vegetable oil used is not less than 20%. It shall not be sold under the common or generic name of mixed edible oil, but shall be called multi-source edible vegetable oil. On each package containing edible oil mixture, the name and weight percentage of each edible vegetable oil used in the preparation process shall be marked under the brand name / trade name on the front of the package. All localities shall inspect all similar products within their jurisdiction, verify the implementation of labeling regulations, report any violation of regulations to FSSAI immediately, and submit the inspection report to FSSAI before June 1, 2022.
Malaysia Repeals the Approved Permit for Four Agro-food Commodities
According to a statement on May 19, 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) in Malaysia repeals the Approved Permit (AP) for four agro-food commodities in align with the decision of the Prime Minister. The four food categories are round cabbage, old coconut, chicken and liquid milk. Though Approved Permit is no longer required for bringing in agro-food commodities from abroad, importers still need to have an Import Permit (IP) for biosecurity control at the country's entry points.
India to Amend Labeling Requirements for Alcoholic Beverages
On May 20, 2022, FSSAI released the draft of Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Amendment Regulations, 2022. The draft stipulates the definition of single malt or single grain whisky, which refers to a distillate obtained from fermented mash that uses malted barley or malted/ unmalted grain, respectively, distilled in pot still only, and produced in a single distillery. In addition, the draft specifies that alcoholic beverage shall not contain any nutritional information on the label except energy content in K.Cal. Declaration related to energy content shall be voluntary. Any comments can be sent to [email protected] within 60 days.
Philippines Adjusts the Validity of Import Clearances for Meat Products to 60 Days
Previously, Philippines issued AO No. 02, Series of 2022, temporarily extending the validity of SPS import clearances for imported meat from 60 to 90 days due to the chain issues and logistical difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. Whereas, currently the pandemic has subsided in many parts of the world, resulting in an easing of the supply chain and logistical restrictions. Therefore, on May 23, 2022, Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) announced to return the SPS validity period of imported meat to 60 days.
Philippines Issues Regulations Regarding the Import of Aquatic Products
On May 23, 2022, Philippines Department of Agriculture issued regulations regarding the import of frozen aquatic products. As per the regulations, the imported frozen fish during Q2 2022 shall be immediately disposed within 20 days upon arrival thereof. A bill of lading or pro-forma invoice shall be part of the documentary requirements for the SPS Import Clearances to be issued during Q2 2022. Besides, only importers of good standing may be allowed to participate in the importation. All qualified importers shall strictly comply with Food Safety Standards provided under the law and relevant regulations.
India to Revise the Use of Recycled Plastics in Food Packaging
On May 24, 2022, FSSAI unveiled the draft of Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2022. As per the draft, products made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used for packaging, storing, carrying and dispensing food products as and when standards and guidelines are notified by the Food Authority. Such packaging materials shall also comply with any other national standards/regulations as applicable. Any comments can be sent to [email protected] within 60 days.
India Operationalizes Partial Regulations Regarding Packaged Drinking Water
As per the notice released on May 30, 2022, FSSAI decided to operationalize some provisions regarding packaged drinking water in the proposed draft. The involved provisions apply to packaged drinking water (other than mineral water) are as follows:
Total dissolved solids, mg/l | 75 to 500 |
Calcium (as Ca), mg/l | 10 to 75 |
Magnesium (as Mg), mg/l | 5 to 30 |
India Issues Revised SOP for Applying for + F Endorsement Certificate for Fortified Food Products
On May 31, 2022, FSSAI issued the revised SOP for applying for + F endorsement certificate for fortified food products, and the related user manual is available on the FoSCoS website. In addition, to make clear which food products can be fortified as per the regulations, FSSAI provided a list of identified products has been created and made available in FoSCoS for + F endorsement.
India to Amend Food Products Standards and Food Additives
On May 31, 2022, FSSAI unveiled the draft of Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2022. The draft revised the specifications of several food products, such as cheese, fortified rice kernel and fish oil. Take processed cheese spread for an example, the revised specifications are as follows:
Product | Moisture, Maximum, % (m/m) | Milk fat, Minimum, % (dry basis) | Lactose, Maximum, % (m/m) |
Processed Cheese spread | 60.0 | 50.0 | 5.0 |
70.0 | 30.0 | 5.0 | |
75.0 | 25.0 | 5.0 |
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