South Korea Tightens Functional Food Blood Sugar Claims

On October 23, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued Notification No. 2026-70, officially amending the Regulation on Functional Labeling or Advertising of Foods, etc. Not Regarded as Unfair Labeling or Advertising. The revision tightens nutritional standards by restricting blood sugar suppression claims on products formulated with sweeteners. This mandatory regulation will take effect on January 1, 2028.

Key Changes                  

Strengthening Individual Nutritional Component Standards: The individual standards for nutritional components in foods bearing functional claims have been revised to further improve the regulatory requirements for these products.

Restrictions on “Blood Glucose Suppression” Functional Claims: Foods that meet the low-sugar standards and contain sweeteners will be restricted from making “blood glucose suppression” functional claims, in order to prevent potential consumer misunderstanding.

CIRS Analysis

This amendment further clarifies the regulatory requirements governing the use of sweeteners in low-sugar foods and the associated functional claims. Food companies planning to enter the South Korean market, particularly those developing reduced-sugar formulations using sweeteners and intending to promote blood glucose management benefits, should pay close attention to the new requirements. They should review their product formulations, nutritional composition, and labeling and advertising claims in a timely manner to ensure compliance and avoid potential impacts on market.

The amended provisions will take effect on January 1, 2028.

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• Application for new feed ingredients and feed additives in China, the U.S., and the EU.

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