On July 21, 2020, Malaysia Food Safety and Quality Division unveiled Food (Amendment) (No.4) Regulation 2020 [P.U.(A) 209]1 to amend the current effective version [P.U.(A) 437/1985]2 of Food Regulations 1985. The amendment was first set to come into effect on July 22, 2022. Later, the authority postponed3 the effective date to January 1, 2024. It’s worth noting that enterprises can follow Food (Amendment) (No.4) Regulation 2020 before January 1, 2024.
As indicated by the previous ChemLinked news4, the Food (Amendment) (No.4) Regulation 2020 has introduced many significant revisions, with the most influential modifications centering around the labeling requirements for food additives and nutrition information. Some general labeling requirements are also updated regarding the labeling of percentage of ingredients, prohibited labeling items, etc. Key revisions related to food additive labeling and nutrition labeling are summarized as below.
A. Food additive labeling
The labeling requirements for food additive and the additives contained in food are revised. For example, it stipulates that: Where food contains food additive with the International Numbering System (INS) number, a statement of the functional class of the relevant food additive shall be labeled. The name or INS number of the food additive shall be indicated in brackets.
To food additives without the INS number, only a statement of the functional class and the name of food additive are required.
Where the food additive is with more than one functional classes, a statement of one functional class only is applicable.
Where the food additive is a flavoring substance, only the functional class is required on labels.
Please note that the way to label food additives is further explained in a Guidance issued by the authority: Food Additive INS Labeling Guideline.
B. Nutrient labeling and claims
1) Nutrition labeling
The range of food products subject to nutrition labeling requirements is expanded.
Definition of dietary fibre and its categories are added. The amount of total sugar should be expressed in g per 100g or per 100 ml or per package on labels.
Changes have been made to the attached Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) chart with adjusted nutrient items and NRVs.
2) Nutrition Claims
The amendment stipulates the conditions when non-addition of sugar claim and non-addition of sodium salt claim could be made.
Permitted nutrient function claims and the other function claims should comply with newly added Table III and Table IV respectively in Fifth A Schedule. Besides, the functional claims should not include statements that the nutrient would afford a cure or treatment for a disease.
3) Revision in affiliated tables
Three Tables "Conditions for Nutrient Function Claims", "Conditions for Other Function Claims" and "Conditions for Claims Related to Added Nutrient" are added in the amendment.
Tables "Conditions for nutrient contents for use of nutrition claims" and Table "Recommended Maximum Amount of Vitamin and Mineral" has been updated.
For more analysis and explanations, please check ChemLinked previous news and the full text of the amendment. For further consulting service, please email contact@chemlinked.com.
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