South Korea has revised its labeling standards for genetically modified foods, expanding mandatory labeling requirements to additional food products manufactured using genetically modified ingredients.

According to an analysis from CIRS Group, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) revised the Standards for Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods to expand disclosure requirements for certain highly processed products, including soy sauce, sugars and edible oils.

A significant aspect of the change is that labeling requirements can apply even when genetically modified DNA or protein is no longer detectable in the finished product. This represents an important shift for manufacturers of highly refined foods where processing can remove detectable genetic material.

Under the revised implementation schedule, mandatory GM labeling requirements for soy sauce will take effect on December 31, 2026. Sugars and edible oils will receive a longer transition period, with the new requirements taking effect on December 31, 2027.

Companies manufacturing or importing affected products into South Korea will need to review ingredient sourcing, supply-chain documentation, product specifications and labeling to determine whether changes are required before the applicable implementation dates.

What this means for the dietary supplement industry

Although the revisions primarily concern food labeling, they are relevant to functional-food and nutrition companies sourcing ingredients derived from crops commonly produced using genetic modification.

The changes demonstrate the importance of understanding not only whether GM-derived material can be detected in a finished product, but also the origin and production history of ingredients. Companies supplying ingredients or finished products to South Korea may therefore require stronger supplier documentation and traceability systems.

For international ingredient manufacturers, the expanded requirements also reinforce the need to evaluate South Korean labeling requirements early in product development rather than relying on regulatory approaches used in the U.S., EU or other Asian markets.

CIRS group is an HPA global regulatory strategic partner.

(Source: CIRS Group, South Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety & HPA-Global)

Original CIRS Group article

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