KFDA Release Draft of Amended Food Standards and Specifications

Take home:

• MFDS released a notification to expand the permitted food ingredient list and amend pesticide and veterinary drugs residue limits.

On October 14, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released Notification No. 2016-106 detailing amendments to food standards and specifications which will be open for public consultation until 11, November, 2016. In the draft MFDS also expanded the food ingredient list and amended several application standards. MFDS also amended 90 pesticide residue limits and the application scope of 3 veterinary residue limits.

Expansion of food ingredient

1. 19 Kinds of food with a history of safe consumption in Korea were added into the food ingredient list
2. Aquatic products with sourcing information, history of safe consumption and properly named using scientific names provided by internationally recognized organizations (Fisheries & Aquaculture Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation, Fishbase of World Fish, etc.);
3. Six food raw material application standard were revised;
4. Application scope of temporary standard and specification of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe) and Dynastid beetle will be expanded to all food.

Amendment of food ingredient of limited use in food

1. Curcuma and turmeric will be unified as turmeric;
2. 4 Microbial materials and pearl were added as limited use ingredients in specific food categories.

Revision of phrases

1. Definition of infant and older infant were reestablished;
2. Newly define the scope of farm products
3. Amendment of water quality standard that will be used in tofu production on the base on provisions of relevant environment policy.

MFDS Notification