South Korea Revises Food Packaging Standards to Align with Updated Safety and Testing Requirements

27 March 2026, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) (Notice No. 2026-24) issued a revision to the Standards and Specifications for Instruments, Containers, and Packaging, which sets regulatory requirements for materials and articles that come into contact with food. The revised notice updates existing standards under the Food Sanitation Act framework, which governs the safety of utensils, containers, and packaging used in food handling, storage, and distribution. These standards are designed to prevent the migration of harmful substances into food and ensure that materials used are safe for consumer health. The amendment reflects ongoing efforts by MFDS to improve regulatory clarity, strengthen safety controls, and align requirements with current industry practices and technological developments. Key aspects typically addressed in such revisions include material specifications, permissible substances, testing methods, and compliance criteria for manufacturers and importers. Overall, the updated standards aim to enhance food safety management by ensuring that all food-contact materials meet strict quality and safety requirements, thereby protecting public health and supporting consistent regulatory enforcement across the industry.