Biotech Updates

GAIN Reports Korea's New Biotech Labeling Requirements

March 29, 2017

Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety enforced new biotech labeling requirements in February 2016. USDA FAS Global Agricultural Information Network summarized these guidelines in a report, together with a Q&A document released by the Ministry, with an aim to provide more clarity to stakeholders.

According to the report, the major changes in the new labeling scheme include the following:

  • Mandatory labeling has been implemented to all detectable products, including products with detectable minor ingredients.
  • The font size of labeling was increased from 10 to 12.
  • Use of "Non-GMO" or "GMO Free" labels for products that do not have biotech counterparts are not allowed.
  • "Non-GMO" or "GMO Free" labels are only allowed for products with biotech counterparts.
  • Non-detectable products like cooking oil, sugar, soy sauce and alcoholic beverages are exempted from mandatory labeling.
Read more from the GAIN Report.