History and Development of Senior-Friendly Foods - Legal Basis by MFDS

1. Background of the Introduction of Senior-Friendly Foods

As society ages, health issues and the importance of nutrient intake for the elderly have become prominent. Consequently, the government has developed policies on senior-friendly foods to improve the nutrition and quality of life for the elderly.

2. Main Legal Grounds

• Act on the Promotion of Senior-Friendly Industry:
  • Enactment and Implementation: Enacted on June 1, 2010, and enforced on June 1, 2011.
  • Purpose: To enhance the health and living standards of the elderly and to develop related industries through the promotion and support of the senior-friendly industry.
  • Main Content: Includes quality certification for senior-friendly products and services, support for research and development, and provision of information.
• Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods:
  • Enactment and Implementation: Enacted on May 22, 2009, and enforced on May 22, 2011.
  • Purpose: To promote public health and protect consumer rights concerning the labeling and advertising of foods.
  • Main Content: Includes labeling standards and advertising regulations for senior-friendly foods.

3. Key Milestones of MFDS Related to Senior-Friendly Foods

• March 23, 2013: Establishment of MFDS
  • Legal Basis: The "Government Organization Act" restructured government agencies, elevating the Korea Food and Drug Administration to the MFDS. This significantly strengthened the food safety management system.
• January 28, 2014: Amendment of the "Act on the Promotion of Senior-Friendly Industry"
  • Legal Basis: Amendments made on January 28, 2014, expanded the scope of senior-friendly products and established quality certification standards for senior-friendly foods. The amended law strengthened the quality management of products reflecting the characteristics of the elderly.
• August 12, 2016: Establishment of Standards and Specifications for Senior-Friendly Foods
  • Legal Basis: MFDS Notification No. 2016-97, "Standards and Specifications for Senior-Friendly Foods," was established. This notification detailed the standards and specifications for senior-friendly foods, considering the digestive functions and nutritional needs of the elderly.
• June 26, 2018: Introduction of the Senior-Friendly Food Certification System
  • Legal Basis: Amendments to the "Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of Senior-Friendly Industry" on June 26, 2018, introduced a quality certification system for senior-friendly foods. This system provides certification marks for foods that elderly individuals can safely consume.
• November 19, 2021: Amendment of Relevant Laws Concerning Senior-Friendly Foods
  • Legal Basis: Amendments made on November 19, 2021, to the "Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods" and the "Act on the Promotion of Senior-Friendly Industry" strengthened the management standards for senior-friendly foods.

4. Current and Future Outlook

As the aging society continues, the MFDS is continuously updating the standards and specifications for senior-friendly foods. The agency promotes research and development of such foods and actively provides relevant information to consumers to enhance the dietary policies for the elderly.

This ensures that senior-friendly foods can develop more safely and meet the needs of the elderly. The ongoing legal regulation and management by the MFDS will play a crucial role in the field of senior-friendly foods alongside the growth of the senior-friendly industry.