History and Development of Korean Food Regulations

1940s

1949

The "Ministry of Health," a central administrative agency in South Korea responsible for duties related to medical care, pharmaceuticals, quarantine, hygiene, and other health-related affairs, was established on July 25, 1949. It was later reorganized into the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, which is now related to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

 

1960s

1962

Food Sanitation Act: South Korea's first food-related legislation, the Food Sanitation Act, was enacted. This law was established to manage the sanitary conditions of food, regulating the manufacturing, processing, distribution, and sale of food products.

 

1980s

1981

Food Sanitation Act Amendment: The Food Sanitation Act was extensively revised, strengthening hygiene standards in the manufacturing, processing, cooking, distribution, and selling of food.

 

1990s

1995

Introduction of HACCP: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) was introduced for the first time, initiating systematic management of food safety. This was introduced by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to strengthen hygiene and safety in manufacturing, production, and processing facilities.

1996

Establishment of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (now the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety): In April 1996, the Korea Food and Drug Administration was established as an independent body under the Ministry of Health and Welfare to ensure professional and systematic safety management of adulterated and substandard food and drugs, taking charge of the safety management of food and drugs.

1999

Enactment of the Framework Act on Food Safety: The Framework Act on Food Safety was enacted to systematically manage food safety.

 

2000s

2002

Regulation of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs): A labeling system for genetically modified foods was introduced to ensure food safety and consumer choice. 2008

Act on Certification of Organic Agricultural Products: The certification system for organic products was strengthened, and standards for the production and distribution of organic food were established.

 

2010s

2011

Amendments to the Food Sanitation Act and the Health Functional Foods Act: The Food Sanitation Act and the Health Functional Foods Act were amended, introducing strict standards for the manufacture and sale of health functional foods.

 

2013

Upgrade to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): The Korea Food and Drug Administration was upgraded to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, with expanded authority and responsibility for the safety management of food and drugs.

 

2020s

2020

Strengthening HACCP Certification Standards: HACCP certification standards were strengthened, and all food manufacturing companies were required to follow HACCP certification.

2021

Food Safety Management Related to COVID-19: New guidelines and regulations for food safety management were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and regulations related to online food sales were also strengthened.