South Korea Proposes Amendments to Food Labeling Standard to Expand Use of E-Labels

On June 17, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released draft amendments to the Food Labeling Standard for public consultation. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by July 7, 2025.

The proposed amendments align with a previous legislative notice on draft revisions to the Enforcement Rule of the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods, etc. They aim to expand the scope of food labeling information that can be provided electronically, such as through QR codes or barcodes, thereby enhancing consumer access to essential information while reducing the environmental impact and cost of frequent packaging updates.

Key Proposed Amendments to the Food Labeling Standard:

Allowing Electronic Provision of Additional Labeling Information

The draft allows certain additional labeling information in Section II (Common Labeling Standards) and Section III (Individual Labeling Items and Standards) to be delivered through electronic means. Such items must be marked with a note stating: “May be provided via QR code.”

Establishing Methods for Food Labeling Using QR Codes

Applicable Scope

• Food products (limited to finished products manufactured using raw materials).

• Livestock products (limited to finished products manufactured using raw materials).

• Utensils, containers, and packaging.

QR Code Placement and Labeling Requirements

• QR codes used for labeling must be placed near the ingredient labeling area in a location easily visible and scannable by consumers. QR codes must not be rendered unreadable due to small size, blurriness, or placement on curved surfaces. For the visually impaired, QR codes may be placed according to guidelines in the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods and can be accompanied by tactile indicators.

• The information accessed via QR code must include all required information as per Article 4 and Article 5 of the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods. Detailed requirements for labeling items and methods must comply with Section II (Common Labeling Standards), Section III (Individual Labeling Items and Standards), and Annex 1 (Detailed Labeling Standards by Item) of Food Labeling Standard.

• A clear statement must be displayed near the QR code to inform consumers that certain labeling information has been provided via the QR code.

  Example: "Scan here for detailed labeling information" or "Check the QR code for undisclosed ingredients and nutritional information."

• Labeling information accessible via the QR code may include voice/sign language video conversion codes to support accessibility for visually or hearing-impaired individuals.

Labeling Items and Methods Required on Containers/Packaging

• Specific labeling items must still be displayed directly on the container/packaging as stipulated in the Paragraph 4 of the Appendix 1 of Enforcement Rules of Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods. These also include nutrition information and additional labeling details specified in Section II and Section III of the Food Labeling Standard (excluding items marked as "May be provided via QR code").

• Labeling items that must appear directly on the container or packaging shall comply with the methods outlined in Section II, Section III, and Annex 1 of the Food Labeling Standard. Special requirements regarding ingredients and nutritional information are as follows:

1. Top three ingredients by weight are required(excluding water that is not present in the final product), and must be listed in descending order. Composite ingredients may indicate name or food type of the composite ingredient. Food additive mix preparations may indicate the name of the mix preparation.

2. For food additives and flavorings that are subject to indication of primary use, if not among the top 3 ingredients, they must still label at least three primary uses in descending order of usage.

3. The nutritional information must include calories, sodium, sugars, and trans-fat (Trans fat is only required when present.) If any other specific nutrient is emphasized, the label must include the name, content, and the percentage of the daily nutrient reference value for that nutrient, as well as for calories, sodium, carbohydrates, sugars, fat, trans fats, saturated fat, cholesterol, and protein, to avoid "health halo" effect.

4. If nutritional information is displayed on the main display panel, it may be shown in a format based on the Figure 4 of the Food Labeling Standard, and in such cases, the information panel may omit the nutritional information.

• Font size and proportions shall meet specified requirements

1. Font size must be 12pt or larger. However, if space is insufficient, the following applies: 

   1)For information panel areas ≥50 cm² but<100 cm²: minimum 7pt

   2)For information panel areas<50 cm²: minimum 6pt

   3)For soju and beer in glass bottles: minimum 10pt

2. Font width ratio must be at least 90%, regardless of panel size. However, for soju and beer in glass bottles, at least 70% is acceptable.

Recommended reading:

South Korea Pushes for Food E-Labeling to Enhance Readability and Support Sustainability 

South Korea Launches Food QR for Easier Access to Food Safety Information