South Korea Expands GMO Labeling to Highly Processed Soy Sauce, Sugars and Edible Oils

On July 8, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released a partial amendment (Notice No. 2026-49) to the Labeling Standards for Genetically Modified Foods. The revised regulation aims to enhance consumer rights by mandating GMO labeling for highly processed soy sauce products, sugars, and edible oils and fats, even where genetically modified DNA or proteins are no longer detectable in the final product. The amendment will take effect on December 31, 2026, with the requirements for sugars and edible oils and fats entering into force on December 31, 2027.