Consumer Agency "Caution Needed When Purchasing Propolis Through Overseas Purchasing Agents"

Some Products' Flavonoid Content
Does Not Meet Domestic Functional Recognition Requirements

The Korea Consumer Agency recently warned consumers to be cautious as some overseas proxy-purchased propolis food products have flavonoid contents that do not meet domestic functional recognition requirements. Propolis food is made from propolis extract, which is produced by honeybees mixing plant substances with their own secretions. Interest in these products is increasing due to their antioxidant and oral antibacterial effects.

According to the Consumer Agency on the 11th, an investigation into 40 overseas propolis food products sold through proxy purchasing on online shopping malls examined their functional ingredients and alcohol content. Among them, 18 products did not meet the domestic health functional food recognition criteria for flavonoid content. Specifically, 7 products had flavonoid contents below 20 mg/day, while 11 products exceeded 40 mg/day. Flavonoids are one of the phytochemicals found in plants and are the main components indicating the functionality of propolis. In Korea, the daily intake is set between 20 and 40 mg. Particularly, products exceeding 40 mg may cause liver function strain if consumed long-term, so caution is necessary.

The Consumer Agency also checked the flavonoid content and labeling status of 24 products that advertised antioxidant functionality, revealing that 4 products had actual contents at least 25% to as much as 99% lower than indicated. Additionally, 22 products used expressions related to disease prevention such as 'cold prevention' and efficacy claims like 'immune enhancement,' which could lead consumers to mistakenly perceive them as health functional foods, indicating a need for improvement.

Among six liquid spray products designed for oral spraying, alcohol (ethanol) levels ranging from 27% to 50% were detected. The Consumer Agency stated, "Oral fresheners with similar usage contain alcohol (ethanol) and include warnings because they can affect breathalyzer results after use," adding, "Spray-type propolis products should also be used with caution and not immediately before alcohol testing."

The Consumer Agency recommended that proxy purchasing operators of 22 products that advertised in a way that could be mistaken for disease prevention or health functional foods correct their advertisements. Together with the 'Regular Council of Telecommunication Sales Operators,' they also ensured that information clarifying that overseas proxy-purchased propolis foods are general foods, not health functional foods, is posted on online shopping mall sales pages. The Consumer Agency plans to request the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to strengthen management of internet proxy purchasing operators for imported foods in the future.

A representative from the Consumer Agency urged, "When purchasing overseas propolis foods, consumers should verify the total flavonoid content test results provided by the proxy purchasing operator and must check for alcohol content and allergy warnings."