On July 29, 2021, MFDS promulgated the latest version of Health Functional Food Code1. The provisions concerning oil containing EPA and DHA is implemented along with the regulation's promulgation on July 29, 2021. Other amendments will come into effect on January 1, 2024.
The main amendments are specified as below:
1. New Dietary Reference Intakes for Korean
As the "Dietary Reference Intakes for Korean (KDRIs)" stipulated in National Nutrition Management Act2 was updated in 2020, the KDRIs mentioned in the Health Functional Food Code is modified along to keep the two aligned. The new KDRIs can be downloaded below.
2. Modified Conversion Factor and Daily Intake Amount of Vitamin A
(1) Conversion Factor
Previous | Present |
The conversion factor of beta-carotene into vitamin A is by multiplying 1/2 to the content of beta-carotene. Nevertheless, for raw materials in 1-2. 1). (1). (c) that are prepared by pulverizing or simple extraction with water/fermented ethanol in order to supplement the beta-carotene, the conversion factor is 1/6. | The conversion factor of beta-carotene into vitamin A is by multiplying 1/2 to the content of beta-carotene. Nevertheless, for raw materials in 1-2. 1). (1). (c) that are prepared by pulverizing or simple extraction with water/fermented ethanol in order to supplement the beta-carotene, the conversion factor is 1/12. |
(2) Daily Intake Amount
Previous | Present |
210 ~ 1,000 µg RE | 210 ~ 1,000 µg RAE |
3. Clarified Specifications of Oil Containing EPA and DHA
In term of oil containing EPA and DHA, the applicable scope of acid value, peroxide value, anisidine value and total oxidation value are clarified. The new provisions are as below:
(1) Specifications
(a) Acid value: less than 3.0
(b) Peroxide value: less than 5.0
(c) Anisidine value: less than 20.0
(d) Total oxidation value ((2*peroxide value) + anisidine vaule): less than 26.0
(2) Applicable scope of the above specifications:
(a) 100% oil containing EPA and DHA raw material
(b) Final products only made of materials in (a) (except capsule with colors and flavor)
(c) Raw materials made of oil containing EPA and DHA and the antioxidant in Food Additive Code3
(d) Final products made of materials in (a) or (c), adding antioxidant in Food Additive Code3.
4. Other Amendments
The scientific name of Lactobacillus is modified due to the changes of international codes.
More Information about Health Functional Food
We provide full-scale global food market entry services (including product registration, ingredient review, regulatory consultation, customized training, market research, branding strategy). Please contact us to discuss how we can help you by 
