GMO Labeling Expanded to Soy Sauce, Sugars, and Edible Oils and Fats

MFDS Issues Administrative Notice for Partial Amendment to ‘Labeling Standards for Genetically Modified Foods, etc.’

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on February 27 that it has issued an administrative notice for a partial amendment to the ‘Labeling Standards for Genetically Modified Foods, etc.,’ which expands the scope of GMO labeling to include soy sauce, sugars, and edible oils and fats.

The ministry explained that, following the establishment of a legal basis for full GMO labeling last year, it prepared detailed standards through a working-level council to strengthen GMO labeling, as well as consultations with industry, consumers, and academia. The amendment was finalized after deliberation and approval by the Food Sanitation Deliberation Committee.

Currently, under Article 18 of the Food Sanitation Act, products are labeled as genetically modified foods (GMO) if they are manufactured or processed using genetically modified agricultural, livestock, or marine products such as soybeans or corn, which have been approved for food use, and if genetically modified DNA or protein remains in the final product.

According to the amendment, soy sauce, sugars, and edible oils and fats that are manufactured or processed using genetically modified agricultural, livestock, or marine products approved for food use must be labeled as genetically modified foods (GMO) even if no genetically modified DNA or protein remains in the final product after manufacturing or processing.

However, to ensure the smooth and stable implementation of the new system in the field, a phased approach will be adopted that takes into consideration the industry’s preparation period. Labeling for soy sauce will take effect immediately from December 31 of this year, while labeling for sugars and edible oils and fats, which require facility upgrades for separate management, will be implemented from December 31, 2027.

The ministry stated that, as this amendment was prepared based on extensive feedback from experts and stakeholders, it will continue to communicate with the field to ensure that consumers’ right to know and right to choose are further strengthened, and to operate a reasonable GMO labeling system.

Further details can be found on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s website under Laws & Data → Legal Information → Legislative/Administrative Notice. Those who wish to submit opinions on the amendment may do so until April 30.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.