South Korea Updates Food Code

On April 9, 2024, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) revised the Food Code¹. Modifications include alterations to the food raw material lists, revisions to the Maximum Residual Limits (MRLs) of pesticide, and enhanced inspection processes for edible raw eggs.

Details are specified as below:

1. Updating the Food Material List

As per the result of the re-evaluation of food ingredients, the MFDS plans to omit two items from the current food material list, specifically Scribbled Leatherjacket Filefish (날개쥐치) and Aloe mutabilis (알로에 아보레센스), for they may expose harm to public health.

In addition, certain food materials, including Sweet Wormwood (leaf, stem), Yucca root, African Mango seed, Yellow Sweetclover (leaf, flower), Black Mustard seed, Ceylon Cinnamon (stem bark, branch), and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (sepals) are re-classified as restricted materials.

2. Revising the MRLs of Pesticide

The authority adjusted the MRLs of Simazine, lowering its residual limits in Almond and Maize:

Simazine remained in the following foods:	Modifications of the maximum residue limits (mg/kg)
Almond	0.25^T -> 0.01^†
Maize	0.25^T -> 0.05^†

*Agricultural products marked with "+" are agricultural products for which the residual limit standard is set at the request of the exporting country. When the products meet the bar, they are approved for being imported to S. Korea.

*Agricultural products marked with “T” are agricultural products for which the residual limit standard is a temporary standard.

3. Strengthening Inspection on Edible Raw Eggs

In light of the recent surge in food poisoning incidents caused by Salmonella bacteria, MFDS broadened the scope of Salmonella testing for edible raw eggs from one species to three. Previously, only Salmonella Enteritidis is subject to sanitary inspection. As per the new regulation, S. Thompson and S. Typhimurium are included in the testing protocol. The test results for all three species must be negative for compliance.