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Supervision
China Customs Fully Implements Central Warehouse Mode to Facilitate CBEC Product Return
On Sept. 15, 2021, China Customs issued a notice to fully implement "Central Return Warehouse Mode for CBEC Retail Imports" with an immediate effect. According to the notice, Central Return Warehouse Mode will apply to CBEC products supervised under "online shopping bonded import mode" (supervision code 1210). Stakeholders' agents in China or their entrusted storage enterprises locating in custom supervision areas can now set up specialized product return spots inside the supervision areas. Compared to the previous product return procedure, the new central warehouse mode can advance product return efficiency, help enterprises save costs, etc.
On Sep. 17, 2021, the General Administration of Customs of China (GAC) published the list of non-compliant food products in August. The number of 352 batches rejected products hit a new high since 2018. Japan, Papua New Guinea and India are the top three countries in numbers of rejected products. Notably, two batches of infant formula were rejected due to unqualified labeling.
On Sep. 18, 2021, China GAC issued the new version of "China Customs' provision on the Administration of the Commodity Classification of Import and Export Goods" with effect from Nov. 1, 2021. This revision includes and clarifies the relevant provisions on test and inspection directly related to the commodities classification by the customs, which originate from "China Custom's Administrative Measures for Customs Laboratory Tests". It also offers the legitimate basis for the customs to conduct tests or inspections if necessary.
Regulation
China to Strengthen Control over Excessive Package for Foods and Cosmetics
On Sep. 2, 2021, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) unveiled "GB 23350-2021 Requirements of Restricting Excessive Package—Foods and Cosmetics" in replacement of GB 23350-2009, intending to address the growing excessive packaging problem. The new GB standard stipulates more detailed packaging requirements for 31 categories of foods and 16 categories of cosmetics comparing to the current requirements. It will come into force on Sep. 1, 2023, allowing a two-year transitional period for stakeholders.
Taiwan Issues Regulations Governing the Labeling of Small Prepackaged Food
On Sep. 1, 2021, Taiwan FDA released "Regulations Governing the Labeling of Small Prepackaged Food" and related a Q&A document to clearly specify labeling requirements for small prepackaged food. The regulations only apply to the prepackaged food on the market whose largest surface area is less than 20 cm².
Taiwan Updates Multiple Food Testing Methods in September
In September, Taiwan FDA amends the test methods for four varieties of mycotoxins in food, including fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2, patulin, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. These test methods will come into use on Jan. 1, 2022. All of them apply to testing the relevant mycotoxins in complementary food for infant and young children. Besides, "Test Method for Food Additive Specification — Carbon Dioxide" was released, which will come into use on July 1, 2022. The method specifies the appearance, identification, content determination, etc. Check ChemLinked Regulatory Database for more details.
In addition to mandatory food testing methods, FDA also issued five recommended testing methods in September, including "Method of Test for Coumarin in Beverages", "Method of Test for Veterinary Drug Residues in Foods for Expansion of β-Lactam Antibiotics - Cephaloridine", "Method of Test for Heavy Metals in Canned Foods -Test of Lead", "Method of Test for Pesticide Residues in Foods - Multiresidue Analysis of Polar Pesticides and their Metabolites" and "Method of Test for Pesticide Residues in Bee Products - Multiresidue Analysis".
Taiwan Abolishes Three Food Regulations in September
In September, Taiwan FDA announced to abolish three regulations in September, namely, "Measures for Hygienic Inspection of Products in Dairy Food Factories", "Method of Test for Veterinary Drug Residues in Foods - Test of Penicillin" and "Method of Test for Veterinary Drug Residues in Foods - Test of β- Lactam antibiotics". The reason of abolishment was they were covered by other existed regulation and notice.
Draft
As revealed by a notice on Sep. 16, 2021, China has opened two national food safety standards to public feedback till Sep. 23, namely, "Contamination Control of Lead in Food" and "Contamination Control of Acrylamide in Food". Both drafts are trying to lower the amount of contaminants in food during the food production process.
China Consults on National Food Safety Standard Enzyme Preparations for Food Industry
On Sep. 17, 2021, China's National Standardization Center of Food & Fermentation opened the revisions to "GB 1886.174 Enzyme Preparations for Food Industry" for public feedback. The draft mainly revises the requirements for the auxiliary materials for enzyme preparations, the measuring methods of enzyme activity, etc. Any comment shall be sent to [email protected] prior to Oct. 16, 2021.
China Consults on New GB Standard for Dried Fruits
According to the notice revealed on Sep. 27, 2021, China opened a draft of new GB standard for dried fruits to replace "GB 16325-2005 Hygienic Standard for Dried Fruits" for public comments. Compared to GB 16325-2005, the draft adds the scope, terms and definitions, limits of mycotoxin and pesticide. Besides, major revisions have been made in sensory requirements, moisture limit, items and limits of microbe, and product labeling. Any comments can be sent to [email protected] before Oct. 31, 2021.
Taiwan to Regulate Labeling of Infant and Follow-up Formula
On Sep. 30, 2021, Taiwan FDA announced to commence a period of public comments for drafting "Regulations Governing the Labeling of Infant and Follow-up Formula". The draft incorporates the provisions from former notifications regarding labeling of infant and follow-up formula, and regulates the specific labeling requirements, including storage method, use method, warning, forbidden labeling and others. Any comment can be sent back to [email protected] before Nov. 29, 2021.
South Korea Revises the Food Packaging Material Requirements
On September 7, 2021, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) unveiled the latest version of "Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers, and Packages". It permits recycled PET materials to be used for manufacturing food utensils, containers, and packages. The usage standard of recycled PET material is also specified for safety reasons. Additionally, a new concept of functional packaging is introduced. The synthetic resin materials are grouped into nine categories.
South Korea Modifies the Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act
On September 9, 2021, MFDS published the revised "Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act". As the on-site inspection of foreign food facility is permitted to be conducted remotely with electronic devices such as AR smart glasses, the Rule specifies the method of bidirectional visual communication during the real-time inspection.
On September 10, 2021, MFDS issued the draft of "Countries (Regions) Allowed for Import of Livestock Products and Import Sanitation Requirements" to solicit public opinions. The draft adds the Home Meal Replacement (HMR) food as a new type of livestock product in accordance with the amendments in "Livestock Product Sanitation Control Act". Besides, dairy products from Latvia and Slovakia are to be permitted to export to South Korea. Opinions can be sent to MFDS prior to September 30, 2021.
South Korea Drafts the Standard of Sugar and Sodium Reduction Label
On September 16, 2021, South Korea published a notice to consult on the draft of "Standard of Sugar and Sodium Reduction Label". The authority specified the "fried noodles (유탕면류)" as the first batch of food subject to labelling "sugar reduction" or "sodium reduction". The labeling standard is proposed as well. The product can be labeled with "sugar reduction" or "sodium reduction" when its sugar/sodium content is (1) 10% less than the average sugar/sodium content of the distributed foods of the same category, or (2) 25% less than the the sugar/sodium content of other food products of the same corporate. Stakeholders can send suggestions to MFDS prior to October 6, 2021.
South Korea Consults on Imported Food Act
On September 17, 2021, MFDS released a draft of "Imported Food Act" for public opinions. The authority initially drafted the food safety control of overseas food purchased directly by consumers. The draft proposed to ban the import of food containing risk or hazardous raw materials. An inventory is to be established and publicly noticed. Additionally, the amendments about the "good importer" standard and the inspection requirement are modified. The consulting period is set to end on October 27, 2021.
South Korea Consults on HACCP Operation Regulation for Imported Kimchi
On September 27, 2021, MFDS rolled out the draft of "HACCP Operation Regulation for Imported Kimchi". This regulation is to specify the necessary matters for foreign food facility's HACCP certification. It outlines the details regarding the cooperation between the government of the exporting country and Korean authority, the certification procedure, inspection and evaluation.
South Korea Consults on Two Drafts of Food Code
On September 30, 2021, MFDS disclosed two drafts of Food Code: Draft No. 2021-464 and Draft No. 2021-465.
Draft No. 2021-464 mainly outlines the specification and test method of krill oil. It specifies that linolic acid and myristic acid of krill oil should be "less than 3%" and "5~13%" respectively. Other proposed amendments include the cheese product's terminology and grading standard, the veterinary drug's test method, and the pesticide's maximum residue limit.
Draft No. 2021-465 mainly proposes to modify the standards and specifications of 109 kinds of pesticides.
Suggestions about Draft No. 2021-464 can be sent to MFDS before November 30, 2021. Suggestions about Draft No. 2021-465 thereof shall be submitted prior to October 19, 2021.
On September 30, 2021, MFDS unveiled a notice to solicit public opinions of the changes in the Regulation of Harmful Material Residue Limits in Agricultural Products during Production Stage. The consultation period is set to end on October 19, 2021.
It mainly proposed to add the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of Azoxystrobin and other 13 pesticides and amend the MRLs of Boscalid and other 28 pesticides. Additionally, the applicable standard of pesticide dissipation rate constant is proposed in the draft.
Japan Updates the List of Countries Whose Sanitary Certificates are Acceptable
On September 1, 2021, Japan updated the requirements for dairy products' sanitary Certificates, which stated that the sanitary Certificates issued by Colombia are accepted. By now Japan has approved the health certificate from 51 countries/regions.
Japan to Revise the Food and Food Additive Specification Standard
On September 3, 2021, Japan opened an amendment of the "Food and Food Additive Specification Standard" for public consultation. The amendment involves 48 kinds of pesticides and veterinary drugs. Japan also planned to add the gentian violet experimental method to the "Standards and Criteria for Food and Food Additives".
Japan Adds 5 New Detection Methods for Residues
On September 6, 2021, Japan released the amendment of "Test Methods for the Remain of Pesticides, Feed Additives, and Veterinary Drugs in Food". According to the amendment, MHLW newly added "simultaneous test method I for veterinary drugs by LC/MS" replacing the original "simultaneous test method I for veterinary drugs by HPLC". Besides, the test methods for four substances in animal products have been added, including Isoxaflutole, Tulathromycin, Benzyladeninea, and S-2-ethylsulfinylethyl O, O-dimethyl phosphorothioate.
Japan Consults to Formulate Agricultural Standards for Soybean Meat
On September 6, 2021, Japan's MAFF decided to solicit opinions from the public on formulating Japanese agricultural standards for soybean meat. The main contents to be formulated involve the protein content and production methods for soybean meat food products using processing soybeans as the primary raw material with meat characteristics. The standard includes the scope of application, terms and definitions, production methods and labels, etc. Any comments shall be submitted within 60 days after the notice released.
Three Products Granted Special Labeling Approval in September
In September, Japan Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) newly approved the labeling license for three products. A tea drink and a beverage with VVYP were allowed to be labeled as food for specified health uses. Besides, a low-protein food was allowed to be labeled as food for special dietary uses. Up to now, 1,076 health foods have been licensed as foods for specified health uses.
Japan Revises the Food Labeling Standards
On September 15, CAA issued notice No.389, modifying the content of "Attached Table of Genetically modified food inspection methods that have passed the safety review". The amendment newly established an inspection method to confirm whether there is unintended contamination of genetically modified agricultural products in non-genetically modified soybean grains and corn grains that have been separately produced and distributed. In addition, the amendment added inspection equipment that can be used with the current inspection method.
Japan Publicly Solicits Opinions on the Evaluation of the Health Effects of Nitarsone
On Sept. 29, 2020, after a food safety risk assessment, the Food Safety Commission of Japan announced that the current limit value of nitarsone may have adverse effects on food health. Therefore, MHLW is consulting the public on the issue of health effects, any comment shall be submitted before Nov. 28, 2021.
India Amends the Regulation Regarding Fortification Foods
In September, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified two amendments to the "Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods)". The first amendment was issued on Sep. 2, 2021, which adds provisions for fortified milk powder. The amendment stipulates the nutrition level, application scope and labeling requirements of fortified milk powder. The second amendment was released on Sep. 24 in order to stress that the level of added micronutrients on label of fortified food shall fall within the specified range, and the tolerance of minus 10 percent of the declared total value on the label can be allowed. The implementation dates of these two amendments are set on Mar. 1, 2022 and Apr. 1, 2022 respectively.
India to Strengthen Food Contact Regulations
On Sep. 8, 2021, FSSAI issued the "Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2021". The draft proposes to expand the number of specific migration of substances in food contact plastics from seven to nine by including antimony and bis 2-(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Comments will be accepted until Nov. 5, 2021.
India to Revise Regulations Regarding Food for Infant Nutrition
On Sep. 8, 2021, FSSAI issued "Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2021", which regulated that no person shall manufacture, sell, store, or exhibit for selling infant nutrition food, except under Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification Mark. Besides, "Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2021" was released on Sep. 24, which revised requirements for the level of Vitamin B12 in infant formula and follow-up formula, and added requirements for packaging gases of follow-up formula product. Any comment about the drafts can be sent to FSSAI within 60 days from the release date.
India Issues Amendment to the Regulation Concerning Health Supplements
On Sep. 8, 2021, FSSAI issued "Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) First Amendment Regulations, 2021", which mainly revised the definitions, general requirements, function claims, permitted ingredients and maximum limits of ingredients in certain kinds of food, including health supplements. Food business operator shall comply with the provisions from Apr. 1, 2022.
India Includes “Radiation Processing of Food” as New Kind of Businesses in FoSCoS portal
On Sep. 10, 2021, FSSAI issued a notice to include “Radiation Processing of Food” as a new kind of businesses in FoSCoS portal to facilitate the licensing for food business operators involved in radiation processing of foods, and specified all the documents required for manufacturers or processors.
India Re-operationalize the Regulation Governing the Limit of Formaldehyde
On Sep. 14, 2021, given the public health interest and to ensure food safety and fair practices in food business operations, FSSAI decided to re-operationalize provisions stipulated in "Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2021", which specified the limit of naturally occurring formaldehyde in freshwater and marine fish. Food business operators involved shall follow these regulations and the enforcement of these regulations with immediate effect.
India Updates the Labeling Requirements for Multi-Source Edible Oil and Sweeteners
As revealed by the notification on Sep. 16, FSSAI issued "Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, 2021" with regard to the labelling of multi-source edible oil and the labelling requirements for sweeteners. The amendment updated the requirement of mandatory declarations, and added a new provision for the labeling of multi-source edible oil. Food business operators shall comply with all the provisions by Nov. 17, 2021.
India to Set Standard for Vegan Food
As revealed by the WTO notification G/SPS/N/IND/268 on Sep. 20, 2021, India opened "Draft Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2021" for public comments. The draft proposed to prescribe the process of assessing and certification of vegan foods including their labelling and display requirements. WTO members can submit their comments prior to Nov. 19, 2021.
Singapore to Amend Food Regulations
On Sep. 14, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) released "The Food (Amendment) Regulations 2021", which will come into operation on Oct. 1, 2021. The amendment is set mainly to allow the use of new food additives and ingredients, extend the use of existing food additives, revise the maximum limits for heavy metals in food to be in line with international standards, as well as to ensure coherence in legislation.
India Consults on Revised Manual of Methods of Analysis of Dairy and Dairy Products
On Sep. 27, 2021, FAASI announced to collect public comments on the "Revised Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Dairy and Dairy Products" from stakeholders. Any comment should be furnished to [email protected] within 30 days from the date of the announcement. The manual applies to analysis method for a wide variety of dairy products, including liquid milk, cream, cheese, butter, dried milk product, etc.
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