South Korea Proposes Broader Allergen Labelling Requirements

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has proposed amendments to the Act on the Labelling and Advertising of Foods that would expand mandatory allergen labelling requirements and revise the country’s administrative penalty framework for food businesses. The proposal forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection and improve transparency in food information.

Under the draft amendments, additional allergenic ingredients would be included within the scope of mandatory declaration requirements, enabling consumers with food allergies to make more informed purchasing decisions. The proposal is intended to enhance the effectiveness of food labelling rules and align regulatory requirements with current public health needs.

The amendments would also introduce changes to administrative penalties related to food labelling and advertising compliance. While the details remain under consultation, the revised framework is expected to clarify enforcement measures and strengthen regulatory oversight of food businesses operating in the South Korean market.