South Korea tightens inspections of artificial colorings in sugar-coated foods; what does the Vietnam SPS Office note?

Notably, Vietnam is not the only country subject to this inspection; the MFDS requires exporting countries to ensure that food subject to inspection is produced in compliance with current Korean standards and specifications.

MFDS highly appreciates the cooperation and support from Vietnam and looks forward to close cooperation on food safety issues.

Accordingly, on September 25th, the Vietnam National Notification and Inquiry Point on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Vietnam) sent a document to the Plant Protection Department; the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development; and the Import-Export Department - Ministry of Industry and Trade regarding the announcement by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to inspect Vietnamese food production and export facilities exporting to Korea.

Specifically, the SPS Vietnam Office received official letter No. 043/DSQ-TV dated September 19, 2024, from the Trade Office - Embassy of Vietnam in South Korea regarding the announcement by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to inspect Vietnamese food production and export facilities exporting to South Korea.

Foods preserved with sugar will be strictly regulated in South Korea in the near future. (Illustrative image.)

The MFDS will expand the scope of food items subject to inspection orders to include those with a high incidence of non-compliance during border inspections or those raising safety concerns.

Between September 30, 2024, and September 29, 2025, MFDS will intensify inspections for organic synthetic color (Tar Color) in sugar-preserved foods (excluding products that are hermetically sealed and heat-sterilized) at seven Vietnamese food production facilities.

In Vietnam, the list of 7 businesses that will be subject to MFDS inspection from September 30, 2024 to September 29, 2025 is as follows: ATL Global Co., Ltd. Branch (Lot 1, Dinh Quan Industrial Park, La Nga Commune, Dinh Quan District, Dong Nai ); C&C International Food Joint Stock Company (Sub-district 20, Hat Lot Town, Mai Son District, Son La); Sunrise Ins Co., Ltd. (DT 846 Road, Hamlet 5, Doc Binh Kieu Commune, Thap Muoi District, Dong Thap).

Hoang Tuan Khoa Production and Service Trading Co., Ltd. (1/2 Hamlet 4, Dong Thanh Commune, Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City); One Food Vietnam Co., Ltd. (8 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Ky Ba Ward, Thai Binh City ); Sao Khue SG Co., Ltd. (34A, 609 Street, Trung Viet Hamlet, Phuoc Hiep Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City); Le Trung Thien Co., Ltd. (450 Nguyen Xien Street, Long Thanh My Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City).

According to the Vietnam SPS Office, individuals or organizations intending to export food to South Korea must have their products inspected by the South Korean side and submit test reports from MFDS-approved laboratories when filing import declarations. These accredited laboratories are not only located in South Korea but also in many other countries.

"Businesses wishing to export processed food to South Korea can contact our office for support regarding: communicating with South Korea to agree on which parameters need to be tested before export, as regulations may vary depending on the product. In addition, the list of testing laboratories has been clearly specified by South Korea. Businesses that test their products at laboratories other than those designated will not be recognized by South Korea," said Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of the SPS Vietnam Office.

Source: https://danviet.vn/han-quoc-siet-kiem-tra-mau-tong-hop-cua-thuc-pham-boc-duong-van-phong-sps-viet-nam-luu-y-gi-20240925180450034.htm