Labels Indicating 'Less Salty' and 'Less Sweet' Now Allowed on Hamburgers and Ice Cream

MFDS Expands Labeling Targets for Sodium and Sugar Reduction

If hamburgers, sandwiches, or ice cream contain less sodium or sugar, it will soon be possible to indicate this.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 20th that it has issued an administrative notice for partial amendments to the "Sodium and Sugar Reduction Labeling Standards," which mainly expand the scope of products eligible for sodium and sugar reduction labeling to include dried noodles, lunch boxes, hamburgers, bread products, ice cream, and more.

The Sodium and Sugar Reduction Labeling Standards regulate that if the sodium or sugar content is reduced by more than 10% compared to the average value of products distributed in the market, or by more than 25% compared to similar products from the same manufacturer, the product can be labeled using terms such as 'less,' 'reduced,' 'light,' or 'lowered.'

This amendment newly includes six categories for sodium reduction labeling: dried noodles (limited to seasoned products), lunch boxes (set meals), hamburgers, sandwiches, pizza, and others; and ten categories for sugar reduction labeling: castella, cakes, muffins, pies, ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, frozen desserts, liquid coffee (products containing dairy), and probiotic drinks.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained, "Considering the recent increase in sodium intake through convenience foods mainly among single-person households and the fact that female children are consuming sugar exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standards, we have added more products eligible for sodium and sugar reduction labeling."

Detailed information about the amendment can be found on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety website under 'Laws & Data → Legislation/Administrative Notice,' and comments can be submitted until the 10th of next month.