,"On 4 December 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued Notice No. 2025-79, announcing a partial amendment to the Standards for Content of Unfair Labeling or Advertising of Foods. The revision focuses on reorganizing Korea’s regulatory framework for the use of the terms “natural” and “nature” in food labeling and advertising.
The key change allows the use of the expression “natural” for honey products (excluding feeding honey and feeding honeycomb). Previously, “natural” and similar claims were generally restricted to prevent misleading representations to consumers. Through this amendment, MFDS aims to enhance regulatory clarity and ensure that consumers receive accurate and reliable food information.
The amendment modifies Article 2(3)(cha) to explicitly permit “natural” claims for eligible honey categories while maintaining restrictions for other products where such claims may mislead consumers. All other existing exclusions—such as natural flavors defined under the Food Labeling Standards and “natural” or “nature” terms included in business names or registered trademarks—remain unchanged.
The revised notice takes effect immediately and applies to all foods, food additives, apparatus, and packaging that are manufactured, processed, or imported from the date of promulgation."
Consumer News Region