Global Food

Hong Kong | Prepackaged date sample in breach of food labelling regulation

  The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced on January 5 that a prepackaged date sample was found to contain sulphur dioxide and sorbic acid, preservatives which are allowed to be used in food, but the functional class and names of them were not declared on the product's food label, in breach of the food labelling regulations. Follow-up is in progress. Product details are as follows: Product name: (Not available in English) Place of origin: China Distributor: Premier Food Ltd Net weight: 450 grams per pack Best-before date: December 31, 2021 "Subsequent to announcing earlier that a prepackaged date sample taken from an online shop was detected with excessive preservative and in breach of the food labelling regulation, the CFS took another date sample from the same distributor from a shop in a shopping centre in West Kowloon for testing during follow-up investigations. The test result showed that the sample contained sorbic acid at a level of 69 parts per million (ppm) and sulphur dioxide at a level of 41 ppm. Although the levels are within the legal limits, the functional class and names of the two additives were not declared on the food label of the sample," a CFS spokesman said. "The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity. The distributor concerned has initiated a recall on the affected batch of the product according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2291 6216 during office hours for enquiries about the recall. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence," the spokesman added. Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and salted fish products. Sulphur dioxide is water soluble, and most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulties, headaches and nausea after consumption. The spokesman reminded the food trade that the use of preservatives in food must comply with the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD). Furthermore, the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require that prepackaged food shall be legibly marked or labelled with a list of ingredients. The regulations also state that for all prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong containing sulphite in a concentration of 10 ppm or more, the functional class of the sulphite and its name shall be specified in the list of ingredients. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction. The CFS will alert the trade, continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing. Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

India revises food and food additive standards and regulations

On December 31, 2020, the Food Standards Agency of India issued F. No. 1-116/ Scientific Committee / Notif. / 2010-FSSAI Food Standards Regulations (Food Standards and Food Additives) 2020 No. 10 Amendment, the revised part The content is as follows: 1. Redefine refined vegetable oil; 2. Delete the Berlière test in Article 2.2 (this test is used to detect the presence of peanut oil); 3. In Article 2.3, "heat-treated juice" is changed to "juice", which is divided into heat-treated juice and non-heat-treated juice, and related physical and chemical standards are listed; 4. New items such as cashew nut kernels, water chestnut powder, colored foods, etc., are listed to specify the quality parameter standards such as appearance quality, water content, free fatty acid content, and pigment content. The amendment will take effect on July 1, 2021.  Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

Announcement of the Chinese Nutrition Society on the establishment of group standards in 2020

On January 5, the Chinese Nutrition Society released the announcement of six group standards for 2020, including the ,Determination of High Salt, High Fat and High Sugar Prepackaged Foods， the test specification of food satiety, and the quality specification of natural garlic oil.  Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress solicits opinions on the “Anti-Food Waste Law (Draft)”

On January 4, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress publicly solicited opinions on the Anti-Food Waste Law (Draft), and the deadline was January 29, 2021. 第十三届全国人大常委会第二十四次会议对《中华人民共和国反食品浪费法（草案）》进行了审议。现将《中华人民共和国反食品浪费法（草案）》在中国人大网公布，社会公众可以直接登录中国人大网（www.npc.gov.cn）提出意见，也可以将意见寄送全国人大常委会法制工作委员会（北京市西城区前门西大街1号，邮编：100805。信封上请注明反食品浪费法草案征求意见）。征求意见截止日期：2021年1月29日。  Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

Taiwan’s FDA of the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced in advance formulation of draft of the “Requirements for Exemption of One Label for Small Package Foods”

On January 5, Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare promulgated the draft regulation on exemption of one labeling for small packaged food. Proponents who have any comments or amendments to the content of the announcement can give feedback within 60 days from the date of publication of this announcement.The prescribed points include: for small packages of food with a maximum surface area of less than 10 square centimeters, other items listed in Article 22 of this law may be exempted from the outer package labeling of the product, except the items that should be labeled.(second point of the draft), etc. Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

Brazil revises regulations on the labeling of foods of animal origin

On December 16, 2020, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) issued Normative Directive No. 67 through the Government Gazette website to amend the No. 22 Directive "Regulations on the Labeling of Foods of Animal Origin" issued by MAPA in 2005. The main contents of this revision include: 1. Amend Article 5 of the Regulations (the mandatory information content on the label of animal-derived food), including product name (including font, size and color requirements, etc.), ingredient list, product status (for liquid products), source animals 11 items including the name, address and contact information of the manufacturer or distributor (importer), official inspection seal and registration number, and shelf life; 2. Revise the labeling requirements of Article 6 (Ingredients List), specifically that the water added during the production process should be indicated in the ingredient list, except for the following circumstances: water that has been volatilized during the production process, added in the form of salt water, syrup, etc. water; 3. Amend Article 9 (Special Products or Circumstances) to stipulate special labeling requirements for foods of animal origin that contain vegetable oils, genetically modified ingredients, or organically produced animal-derived foods with an area of ​​less than 10cm2 for the main display page of the label. The directive will take effect on January 4, 2021, with a transition period of 180 days.  Please note: This article is translated based on Google web translation software, if there is an error, please contact us as soon as possible to correct. Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

Russia decides to impose high export tariffs on soybeans from February 1 to June 30

China-Russia Information Network Moscow compiled and issued: The Russian government issued an order that from February 1 to June 30, Russia will impose export duties on soybeans exported to countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union, and the export duty rate should be 30% of the duty-paid value. But not less than 165 euros per ton. The official website of Russian Legal Information published the government order. The Sub-Committee on Tariff, Non-tariff Regulation and Foreign Trade Safeguard Measures of the Economic Development and Integration Committee of the Russian Government passed a proposal on imposing export duties on soybeans in December 2020. The Russian Ministry of Economic Development pointed out that the decision is related to the increase in international soybean prices and aims to ensure the supply of raw materials for domestic processing companies.  Please note: This article is translated based on Google web translation software, if there is an error, please contact us as soon as possible to correct. Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

GACC | Notice on Matters concerning the 2021 Customs Statistical Commodity Catalog

On December 31, the Statistical Analysis Department of the General Administration of Customs issued the "Notice on Matters Concerning the 2021 Customs Statistics Commodity Catalogue", which involved the deletion of "190110919019" and the addition of "35011 and 35022" in the code range of "dairy products".         12月31日，海关总署统计分析司发布《关于2021年海关统计商品目录有关事项的通知》，内容涉及“乳品”编码范围删除“190110919019”，增加“35011和35022”等。 Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

Hong Kong | Import of poultry meat and products from areas in UK, Germany and Korea suspended

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced on January 18 that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Korea respectively about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in Lisburn and Castlereagh District of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom (UK), Cuxhaven District in the State of Niedersachsen of Germany; and Namyangju-si, Anseong-si and Pocheon-si of Gyeonggi-do Province; Hongseong-gun of Chungcheongnam-do Province; Mungyeong-si of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province; and Goseong-gun of Gyeongsangnam-do Province of Korea, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong. A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 8,700 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 330,000 poultry eggs from the UK, about 2,500 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 880,000 poultry eggs from Germany and about 740 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 8.9 million poultry eggs from Korea in the first nine months of last year. "The CFS has contacted the British, German and Korean authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE and the relevant authorities on avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate actions will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said. Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net

South Korea has issued a 2021 inspection plan for imported aquatic products

On January 4, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released the 2021 inspection plan for imported aquatic products, which includes three parts: hazard information inspection plan for imported aquatic products in 2021, key management objects of imported aquatic products in the first half of 2021, and net content inspection plan for imported frozen aquatic products in 2021. Business Division of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Global Foodmate provides food standards & regulations research, labelling compliance consulting/Chinese label design, industry public opinion monitoring and analysis, registration services (of Infant formula, FSMP, Health food, Novel Food Ingredients, Novel Food Additives, New Varieties of Food-Related Products and Overseas manufacturers of imported food) and other comprehensive food safety solutions for domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions in food industry.  Please feel free to contact us: +86 10 68869850, E-mail: global_info@foodmate.net