Food Additive Code

Standards and Specifications for Food Additives [MFDS Notice No. 2023-82]

1. Purpose: This notice outlines the standards for the manufacture, processing, usage, and preservation of food additives and the specifications for their components as stipulated in Article 7(1) of the Food Sanitation Act. The objective is to ensure the safe quality of food additives and their safe usage in food, thereby contributing to public health.
2. Main Provisions

         1) Definition and Classification: (1) Describes the definition and classification criteria of food additives. (2) Classified according to their purpose, such as sweeteners, colorants, antioxidants, preservatives, etc.

         2) Usage Standards: (1) Specifies the maximum allowable amount of each food additive and the types of foods in which they can be used. (2) Regulates the types and quantities of additives that can be added to food in detail.

         3) Quality Standards: (1) States the purity, residual substances, and physical properties of food additives. (2) Includes the required quality conditions and testing methods during the manufacturing process.

         4) Labeling Standards: (1) Regulates the labeling and indication standards for food additives. (2) Ensures that consumers can easily identify the type, purpose, and food containing the additives.

         5) Testing Methods: (1) Specifies the testing methods for the component analysis and safety inspection of each additive. (2) Includes chemical and microbiological testing methods.

 

      3. Legal Basis and Managing Authority

          1) Legal Basis: The standards for food additives are established and managed based on the Food Sanitation Act and related laws.

           2) Managing Authority: The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) manages and supervises the standards for food additives. The MFDS undertakes the revision, supplementation, and supervisory roles related to the standards.

 

       4. Latest Trends

           1) Strengthening of Additive Usage Regulations: As consumer interest in health increases, regulations for certain additives are being tightened.

            2) Natural Additives: There is a growing preference for natural additives over synthetic ones, leading to improved standards for these natural additives.

            3) International Harmonization: Aligning with international standards for food additives is becoming increasingly important in the global food market.

 

 

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