Korea to Revise Food Additive Standards

On Feb. 24, 2015, Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced the revision of important food additive standards and specifications.

1. 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylthiophene has been deleted from the allowed list of synthetic flavorings.

2. The experimental methods and specifications of six substances including ferrous fumarate have been amended.

3. The usage of six substances including sodium metabisulfite in dry coconut have been stipulated.

4. Aspartame has been prohibited for being used in health (functional) foods.

5. Hydrogen has been approved to be used in beverages.

6. Eight ingredients used in disinfectants for food utensils have been adjusted, and nitric acid has been added as a new ingredient.

Item 1, 2, 5, 6 have been implemented since the day this announcement was made, while the other 2 items will formally be implemented from May 1, 2015.