South Korea Revises Food Labelling Standards for Decaffeinated Coffee and Liquor Collaboration Products Effective 2028

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea has issued Notice No. 2026-37 amending the Food Labelling Standards to revise the criteria for “decaffeinated” coffee claims in line with international standards. Under the revised rule, effective 1 January 2028, coffee products may only use the terms “Decaffeinated (디카페인)” or “Made with Decaffeinated Beans” if the residual caffeine content in the coffee bean solids is 0.1% or less after caffeine removal.

The previous standard allowed decaffeinated claims when at least 90% of caffeine had been removed. MFDS stated that the amendment improves clarity by establishing a measurable residual caffeine threshold rather than a caffeine removal percentage.The authority noted that the revision aims to harmonize domestic requirements with international standards and provide consumers with clearer and more consistent information regarding decaffeinated coffee products.