South Korea Consults on Food Labeling Requirements

On August 25, 2023, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) disclosed a notification to consult on the Regulation of False Labeling or Advertising Contents of Food¹. The exposure draft expands the scope of prohibited medicine names for foods. Besides, it allows labelling unused raw materials and ingredients, which provides legal ground for labelling meat alternatives. Stakeholders can send suggestions to MFDS before October 24, 2023. Details are specified as below: 

1.  Expanding the scope of prohibited names similar to traditional herbal medicines

As per the current regulation, traditional herbal medicines or similar terms cannot be labeled on food products. The authority plans to expand the scope of such prohibited medicine names by including the expressions of:

Combination of traditional herbal medicines “Gongjin (공진/공신), Kyungok (경옥)” and traditional herbal medicine dosage forms, such as tang(탕Decoction), jeon(전 Pill), yakju (약주 Medicinal wine), etc.

2. Allowing to label unused raw materials and ingredients

Contents that emphasize unused raw materials are prohibited in food labelling. However, if the expressions can help consumers make informed judgments, as shown below, they can be displayed on food products:

1) Labeling or advertising that indicates the absence or non-use of food additives listed under the Food Additive Code²;

2) Labeling or advertising that indicates the absence or non-use of ingredients (excluding food additives) or components in the product, such as the following:

1. Allergens;

2. Ingredients that represent the product is meat alternative, such as meat, milk, eggs, etc.;

3. Caffeine (Applicable for tea products only).

ChemLinked Notes

Permitting the indication of unused "meat, milk, eggs" on food labels provides the legal ground for meat alternative claims. After Korean authority expressed the intent of introducing “meat alternative” food type in 2022, some provisions relevant to meat alternative have been published progressively, including the meat alternative’s definition, specification³, and food additive⁴. From experience, the allowance for selling meat alternatives in South Korea is expected to be no later than 2024. Enterprises are suggested to pay close attention to the regulatory dynamic and prepare for product compliance. ChemLinked will keep on updating the relevant requirements. 

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