South Korea officially disclosed the revised Health Functional Food Code on July 24, 2023. The amendments are effective on January 1, 2024.
On April 13, 2023, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) published a notification1 to solicit public opinions on the amendments to the Health Functional Food Code. Stakeholders can send suggestions to MFDS before June 12, 2023.
The proposed amendments are highlighted below:
1. Removing the limits for manufacturing proteins products
Although the competent authority expanded the scope of permitted raw materials for manufacturing protein products from the nine kinds (Legumes, oils, eggs, fishes, shellfishes, meats, nuts, cereals, edible insects) to all permitted food ingredients by updating the Health Functional Food Code last year2, the manufacturing methods remain the same. At present, proteins shall be extracted and refined from raw materials such as soy, oil, etc. or manufactured by proteases, autolytic enzymes, etc.
To provide greater flexibility for manufacturers of protein products, the authority proposesto delete the manufacturing method requirements. With the implementation of this proposal, enterprises would be empowered to manufacture protein products according to their internal standards and protocols. This change is expected to enable manufacturers to explore and utilize new and innovative methods for producing protein products.
It is also worth noting that although this proposal may allow greater flexibility in manufacturing methods, it is still essential for manufacturers to ensure that their products meet all other safety and quality standards for protein products as specified in the Health Functional Food Code.
2. Establishing test methods for Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract’s total fatty acid and phytosterol
MFDS newly added the specifications of fatty acid (total fatty acid shall exceed 80%) and phytosterol (sterol: more than 0.2%, β-sitosterol: more than 0.1%) for raw palmetto fruit extract, in order to prevent the illegal mixing of cheap edible oil and fat to the functional ingredient on September 15, 2022.2 As these new specifications will be effective on January 1, 2024, the authority is to establish new test methods for fatty acid and phytosterol to complete the relevant provisions.
The proposed test methods for fatty acid and phytosterol in the raw palmetto fruit extract can be found in Chapter 4. 2-32-2 fatty acid (the second method), and Chapter 4. 2-32-2 phytosterol (the second method) in the exposure draft of Health Functional Food Code respectively.
3. Modifying the scientific name of Meshima mushroom
The scientific name of the Meshima mushroom (상황버섯) is to be changed from “Phellinus linteus” to “Sanghuangporus sanghuang” following the latest international classification standard.
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