,"The Ministry of Health Malaysia has formally notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of proposed amendments to its Food Regulations 1985, under Notification G/TBT/N/MYS/127, focusing on products defined as isotonic electrolyte drinks and isotonic electrolyte drink base.
Scope of Regulation: The amendments relate to Regulation 360D (Isotonic electrolyte drink) and Regulation 360E (Isotonic electrolyte drink base) under the existing Food Regulations 1985.
Under the changes to Regulation 360D, the phrase “and minerals” will be replaced with “during or after sustained active physical activity.” A new subregulation introduces the definition of “prescribed electrolyte” as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or chloride. The terminology will also be updated, replacing “osmolarity” with “osmolality” and units from “miliosmol/L” to “miliosmol/kg.”
The permitted carbohydrate content of isotonic electrolyte drinks is revised to between 20 g/L and 100 g/L of glucose, fructose, sucrose, dextrose, or maltodextrin, with fructose capped at 50% of the total carbohydrate. Labelling rules are also aligned with the new terminology, and subregulation 360D(5)(b)2 is removed.
Similarly, Regulation 360E on labelling of isotonic electrolyte drink bases is amended to replace “osmolarity” with “osmolality”, update measurement units, and delete subregulation 360E(2)(c).
Type of Measure: Proposed technical regulation changes under the TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) framework. Malaysia is seeking to update the existing regulatory definitions and standards for certain beverage products.
Objective: The amendments aim to ensure clarity and safety in the composition and labelling of isotonic/electrolyte drinks, presumably to better protect consumer health, align with safety or quality benchmarks, or reduce trade ambiguity.
These changes reflect evolving market practices or scientific understanding, as well as possibly responding to imports/exports or local production of isotonic and electrolyte drinks.
Implications for Stakeholders
1.Manufacturers & Importers: Producers of isotonic drinks and drink bases will need to review the amended definitions, composition requirements, labelling obligations, and compliance measures once these amendments are finalized. Exporters to Malaysia must ensure their products conform.
2.Consumers: Potentially improved quality, clearer labelling, and better safety / ingredient disclosure for isotonic electrolyte beverages.
3.Trade & Regulatory Authorities: Opportunity to comment during the WTO comment period, assess compatibility with existing trade, avoid disruptions, perhaps harmonize with international norms."
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