Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Reviews Human Application Tests for 89 Products from 46 Companies
Products Without Proven Effectiveness Can No Longer Be Labeled as "Hangover Relief"
Out of 89 hangover relief products currently sold on the market, 80 have been found to be effective in alleviating hangover symptoms. The remaining nine products will no longer be allowed to be labeled or advertised as "hangover relief" unless their effectiveness is proven.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on June 19 that it had reviewed human application test data for 89 products from 46 companies that used expressions such as "sobering up" or "the day after drinking," which could mislead general consumers into believing the products help improve symptoms or conditions caused by alcohol consumption. As a result, 80 products from 39 companies were confirmed to be effective in relieving hangover symptoms.
After a four-year grace period, a new system was implemented this year requiring food products labeled or advertised with hangover relief claims to provide human application test data and comply with the review results of a self-regulatory body (Korea Food Industry Association). In March, the Ministry collected human application test data and other evidence from manufacturers that produce or plan to sell such products.
The Ministry explained that it reviewed the 89 submitted products for compliance with objective procedures and methods in human application test design, survey results on the degree of hangover, blood alcohol decomposition levels, and significant improvement in blood acetaldehyde decomposition levels. Experts in clinical trials, preventive medicine, and food and nutrition also evaluated the objectivity and validity of the evidence.
According to the "Guidelines for Human Application Tests on Hangover Relief Labeling and Advertising," the Ministry recognizes the objectivity and validity of evidence if the tests follow objective procedures and methods, and if significant improvements (p<0.05) are confirmed in survey results on hangover severity and in blood alcohol and acetaldehyde levels. Significant improvement means that, when comparing the changes in those who consumed the test food and those who did not, improvement can be expected in 95 out of 100 people.
The products confirmed to be effective in relieving hangover symptoms include HK Inno.N's "Condition Hutgae," Samyangsa's "Sangkwaehwan," Dong-A Pharmaceutical's "Morning Care PRESSON G," Kwangdong Pharmaceutical's "Kwangdong The Jinhan Hutgae Tea Gold Label," Handok's "Ready Q Drink Original," and Lotte Chilsung Beverage's "Kkaesukkang," among others.
The Ministry also requested supplementary evidence for certain products where the objectivity or validity of the data was insufficient. For products that fail to provide objective and valid evidence by the end of October, hangover relief labeling and advertising will be prohibited.
The Ministry stated that it will continue to strengthen verification of functional claims and monitor unfair advertising to protect consumers from indiscriminate functional labeling and advertising of foods, and to establish a sound distribution order.
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