South Korea Expands GMO Labelling Requirements to Highly Processed Foods Including Soy Sauce, Sugar and Oils

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has issued Notice No. 2026-49, partially amending the Labelling Standards for Genetically Modified Foods, etc. The amendment expands mandatory GMO labelling requirements to certain highly processed foods where genetically modified DNA or proteins are no longer detectable in the final product. The revision aims to strengthen consumers’ right to know and product choice by requiring GMO labelling for products manufactured using genetically modified raw materials, including categories previously exempt due to the absence of detectable GMO components after processing. The amended requirements introduce GMO labelling obligations for: 1.Highly processed soy sauce products 2.Sugar 3.Edible oils and fats Previously, products subjected to extensive processing, such as soy sauce, vegetable oils, and sugar, were generally excluded from GMO labelling where genetically modified DNA or protein was not present in the final product.