On February 14, 2023, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) published the latest version of Food Additive Code1, modifying the allowable usage limit of Methyl Cellulose, the standard of enzyme, and synthetic flavoring substance list. The details are as below:
1. Amending the Usage Limit of Methyl Cellulose
Methyl Cellulose is a food additive that can help improve the meat-like texture of meat alternatives (plant-based meat). To help accelerate the R&D of meat alternatives, MFDS changed the permitted amount of Methyl Cellulose to "the minimum amount required to achieve its physical, nutritive, and other technical effects". Previously, the amount of Methyl Cellulose added to food should be less than 2% in food.
2. Modifying the Enzyme Standards
(1) The manufacturing standard related to the immobilized enzyme (고정화 효소제) is newly introduced. The substances serving as enzyme immobilization agents should comply with the standards and specifications under the Food Code2, Food Additive Code3, or Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and Packages4. The enzyme immobilization agents and supports registered with the Codex Alimentarius Commission can also be used for manufacturing immobilized enzymes. In addition, these substances for immobilizing enzyme shall not be migrated into food.
(2) New storage and distribution standard is brought out. For the enzyme agents which could be distributed at room temperature, for example, powdered enzyme, the products can be stored and distributed under the conditions as indicated by manufacturers. Previously, enzymes shall be stored in a cool, dry place.
(3) To guide enterprises properly use enzyme preparations, the new regulation also clarifies that the enzyme cannot be used for purposes other than these specified in the enzyme's definition.
3. Optimizing the Synthetic Flavoring Substance List
(1) Four synthetic flavoring substances’ internationally used synonyms are newly added:
No. | Synthetic flavoring substances | Synonyms |
F004 | Fenchol | Fenchyl alcohol; 1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-norbornanol |
G006 | Geranyl acetone | 2,6-Dimethyl-2,6-undecadien-10-one; Geranyl acetone; 5,9-Undecadien-2-one, 6,10-dimethyl-, (E); (E)-6,10-dimethylundeca-5,9-dien-2-one; α,β-Dihydropseudoionone |
M209 | 5-Methyl-2-hept-4-one | Filbert heptenone; 5-Methylhept-2-en-4-one |
N020 | (E, Z)-3,6-Nonadien-1-ol | (3E,6Z)-Nona-3,6-dienol; trans, cis-3,6-Nonadien-1ol |
(2) One repetitive substance is deleted:
6,10-Dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one (2,6-Dimethyl-2,6-undecadien-10-one; Geranyl acetone; 5,9-Undecadien-2-one, 6,10-dimethyl-, (E); (E)-6,10-dimethylundeca-5,9-dien-2-one; α,β-Dihydropseudoionone)
4. Modifying Test Methods
The test methods of ten additives are modified. The competent authority also clarified the procedure of Arsenic testing.
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