Korea|Partial Amendment of the Korean Food Code (2026-40)

The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has published a partial amendment to the Korean Food Code (FC) (No. 2026-40) on May 19, 2026, introducing significant revisions aimed at strengthening public health protection, improving regulatory consistency, and reducing import and export trade friction associated with microbiological compliance verification.

The amendment seeks to reinforce the scientific basis of food safety management by:

• introducing statistical concepts into microbiological standards for dietary management foods;

• establishing and revising maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides and veterinary drugs in foods;

• establishing and updating analytical methods for verifying compliance with food standards and specifications; and

• promoting the development and commercialization of diverse food products through the reorganization and expansion of the food ingredient lists, including the addition of new food raw materials.

  
  

Key Amendments

(1) Amendment of Standards for Foodborne Pathogens in Dietary Management Foods

One of the most notable changes is the revision of microbiological standards for meal-type dietary management foods (식단형 식사관리식품). MFDS introduced statistical concepts into the management of foodborne pathogens to enhance the scientific validity, representativeness, and reliability of microbiological testing.

MFDS established statistical-based microbiological standards for the following pathogens in meal-type dietary management foods:

• Staphylococcus aureus 

• Vibrio parahaemolyticus 

• Clostridium perfringens 

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Microbiological Standards for Meal-type Dietary Management Food (식단형 식사관리식품)

This amendment is intended to support the revitalization of the food industry, strengthen public health protection, and reduce trade friction during import and export by improving the consistency and reliability of microbiological compliance verification.

(2) Amendment of the List of Food Ingredients

The amendment also revises the food ingredient lists to newly register ingredients with confirmed evidence of edibility and to reorganize existing food ingredient listings, including ingredient names, classifications, and edible parts.

 Addition of sword bean seeds and young pods, yuzu leaves, and propolis to [Appendix 1] and [Appendix 2] of the FC

Key changes include:

• the addition of 73 species, including Argis toyamaensis, to [Appendix 1] of the FC under “Ingredients Suitable for Food – Animal-derived Ingredients,” based on confirmed evidence of edibility such as catch volume data;

• the addition of sword bean seeds and young pods, yuzu leaves, and propolis to [Appendix 1] and [Appendix 2] of the FC based on confirmed traditional domestic edible use;

• the inclusion of Chrysanthemum zawadskii, Euonymus japonicus extracts, Paederia japonica, and Aralia elata extracts in [Appendix 3] of the FC under “Ingredients Converted from Temporary Standards/Specifications”;

• the addition of five microorganisms derived from traditional fermented foods and microorganisms with confirmed evidence of edibility recognized by internationally accredited institutions to [Appendix 1] and [Appendix 2] of the FC; and

• revisions to the names, classifications, and edible parts of 264 food ingredients.

  
  

These revisions are expected to support the development of diverse food products, expand the range of ingredients permitted for food use, and improve the usability and clarity of food ingredient regulations.

(3) Establishment and Amendment of the MRLs of 124 types of Pesticides

The amendment establishes and revises the MRL of pesticides based on applications for registered (or planned) pesticides and imported agricultural products in accordance with the Pesticide Management Act. The revisions also address the management of pesticide components that may unintentionally contaminate livestock products through feed, soil, water, and other environmental pathways.

Under the amendment, MFDS established and revised MRLs for 124 pesticides, including Dimesulfazet.

The amendment aims to:

• strengthen the safety management of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products;

• ensure scientifically justified pesticide residue standards; and

• enhance consumer protection through improved food safety management.

  
  

(4) Amendment of MRLs of Veterinary Drugs

Phenylbutazone, whose domestic approval was revoked due to safety concerns, was added to the list of substances prohibited from detection in food products in Korea. Consequently, the existing MRL for phenylbutazone was deleted.

This amendment strengthens consumer protection by tightening controls on potentially hazardous veterinary drug residues in food products.

(5) Establishment and Amendment of General Analytical Test Methods

The amendment also introduces extensive revisions to analytical test methods used for food safety verification.

Key changes include:

• improvements enabling “non-detection” determinations through molecular biological screening methods for the rapid and accurate detection of foodborne pathogens, including the establishment of a new molecular biological test method for Yersinia enterocolitica and clarification of existing methods;

• deletion of prescriptive dry film media compositions for bacterial count, E. coli, and coliform testing, while permitting the use of internationally recognized dry film media;

• revision of the Salmonella test method for edible eggs to reflect the increase in microbial testing sample size from 20 to 40 eggs under the Enforcement Rules of the Livestock Products Sanitation Management Act;

• establishment and revision of analytical methods for pesticide residues and veterinary drugs to improve test accuracy and reflect updated standards;

• improvements to analytical methods for total aflatoxin, benzo[a]pyrene, and lupin alkaloids;

• harmonization of terminology and technical procedures for testing hazardous substances in food;

• establishment of a new analytical method for the approved genetically modified organism (GMO) event MON94313; and

• enhancement of inspection reliability through the modernization and scientific revision of analytical test methods.

Key implementation timelines

This amendment shall take effect on the date of its promulgation. However, the amended provisions of each of the following subparagraphs (pertaining to the establishment and revision of General Test Methods) shall take effect on January 1, 2027.

1. Amendments to Article 8. 4. 4.11 가. 4)

2. Amendments to Article 8. 7. 7.1 7.1.2 7.1.2.2

3. Matters concerning the deletion of 7.1.2.4, 7.1.2.18, 7.1.2.22, 7.1.2.23, 7.1.3.6, 7.1.3.9, 7.1.3.19,

7.1.3.55, 7.1.3.62, 7.1.3.66, 7.1.3.75, 7.1.3.86, 7.1.3.87, 7.1.3.91 through 7.1.3.97, 7.1.3.101, 7.1.3.105, and 7.1.3.106 from the former Article 8.7.

4. Amendments to Article 8. 9. 9.2 9.2.9

This amendment shall apply to food manufactured, processed, or imported after the enforcement of this Notice (based on the date of shipment).

Overall, MFDS Notice No. 2026-40 reflects Korea’s continued transition toward a more science-based and internationally aligned food safety regulatory framework, while also supporting food innovation and strengthening consumer protection.

Related articles:

Consolidated text. Korea Food Code (No. 2026-40)

Partial Amendment of Korea Food Code (No. 2026-40)