Regulations on health/functional foods in Korea.
The term "health/functional food" (HFF) refers to food supplements containing nutrients or other substances (in a concentrated form) that have a nutritional or physiological effect whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet. The Korean Health/Functional Food Act that came into effect in 2004 requires these products to be marketed in measured doses, such as in pills, tablets, capsules, and liquids. HFFs are of two types: generic and product-specific. There are 37 ingredients listed in the act for generic HFFs, and if an HFF contains a new active ingredient that is not included in the generic 37 products, it is considered a product-specific HFF. The standardization, safety, and efficacy of a new active ingredient are reviewed by the Korean Food and Drug Administration in order to receive approval as a product-specific HFF. Conforming with international standards and protecting public health requires constant upgrading of the Health/Functional Food Act.
Nutrition and Functional Food Headquarters, Korea Food and Drug Administration, Seoul 122-704, South Korea.
Ji Yeon
JY
Kim
Dai Byung
DB
Kim
Hyong Joo
HJ
Lee
D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000592:standards; D058870:Food, Organic / Q000592:standards; D007723:Korea; D007881:Legislation, Food