South Korea Introduces the Function Claim Scheme for General Foods in the 10th FOODPOLIS International Conference

The provisions on function claim for general food was presented. Twenty-nine ingredients applicable for general food with function claims were specified. The manufacture, labelling, and advertising requirements were detailed.

The 10th FOODPOLIS International Conference conducted by MAFRA^[1] was broadcasted live online via Youtube and Naver TV on July 15, 2020. ^[2]

The introduction of function claims on general food was in the spotlight. Ms. Young-Hui Shin, the senior deputy director of Food Safety Labeling and Certification at MFDS, gave the speech on the new labeling scheme.

(PPT slide of MFDS presentation on the conference)

Legislation Background

Ms. Shin explained the reason to bring out the food labeling scheme. She said that to apply for the certification of functional claim was not easy in South Korea under the present regulation. However, many food firms are using the functional ingredients in their products but incapable of applying for the function labels successfully. The industry was in dire need of innovation in the labeling system. Therefore, after twelve sessions, the authority announced to reform the labeling requirements.

Approved Raw Materials

To avoid the abuse of function claims on general food and guarantee functionality and safety, MFDS would permit the claims only when the health effects of the foods are proved with ample scientific evidence. Additionally, MFDS designated twenty-nine raw materials applicable for general foods with function claims. They are:

(PPT slides of MFDS presentation on the conference)

Other raw materials could be used in "general food with function claims" after undergoing a review by MFDS.

ChemLinked Note:

The detailed materials and method for applying for the individually recognized raw materials haven’t been given. If the application method is the same as that for “individually recognized health functional food raw material,” I personally suggest the companies balance the pros and cons first, as the application for “individually recognized health functional food raw material” requests a great deal of time and money.

Manufacture Requirements

The contents of functional components were required to be more than 30% of RDI (Reference Daily Intake). The business entity should get a HACCP certification prior to conducting the manufacturing.

Labelling and Advertising Requirements

To prevent the consumers from misperceiving the "general food with function claims" as "a health functional food," a reminder of "this food is not a health functional food" should be printed on the main display side.

Besides, the following items should be involved in the information display side:

The contents of functional components;
RDI;
The intake directions;
The recommendations on balanced diet;
A warning of “Stop taking and consult your physician when abnormal symptoms occur.”

An example of the label of "general food with functional claims" was give as below.

(PPT slide of MFDS presentation on the conference)

According to Ms. Shin, the consultation of the function claims on general food would be disclosed by early August. A detailed analysis article will be published when the regulation is released.