,"In South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) enforces an ""inspection order"" system to ensure the safety of imported foods. This system mandates that importers subject certain products to rigorous testing by designated agencies before they can be declared for import. The criteria for issuing an inspection order include the detection of hazardous substances in imported foods, a high rate of non-compliance in import inspections, or concerns about potential risks identified domestically or internationally. As of February 12, 2025, the MFDS has updated the list of imported foods subject to inspection orders due to repeated non-compliance. Notable additions include natural spice powder products from India, which will be inspected for metallic foreign bodies from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. Additionally, berry products and related jams from several European countries will undergo radioactivity testing during the same period. Importers of these products are required to have them tested by authorized agencies, and only those that pass inspection will be approved for importation. This measure aims to protect public health by preventing the distribution of potentially hazardous food products in the South Korean market. "
Consumer News Region