Food Labeling

South Korea MFDS Consults on Amendment to Food Labelling Enforcement Rule to Tackle Shrinkflation

MFDS is consulting on amendments to the Enforcement Rule under South Korea’s Act on Labelling and Advertising of Foods, etc. that would significantly toughen sanctions for failing to disclose “shrinkflation” on food packaging, with comments due by 15 May 2026. If adopted, the changes would raise enforcement exposure for food and beverage businesses in Korea, making clear pack‑size change controls and compliant consumer disclosures more critical to avoid product‑specific manufacturing suspensions.

10 Apr 2026, 13:37mfds.go.krSouth Korea

Brazil: Bill Would Require Pesticide Residue Information on Food Labels

Brazil is considering Bill PL 6427/2025, which would mandate prominent labeling of pesticide residues and associated health risks on all food products. If enacted, companies must overhaul labeling compliance to disclose residue levels and MRL adherence, significantly increasing transparency requirements and operational complexity.

5 Apr 2026, 18:31camara.leg.brBrazil

Japan Implements Food Labelling Standards Amendment on Allergens, Use-By Dates and Heating Instructions

Japan implemented amendments to its Food Labelling Standards on April 1, 2026, updating requirements for allergen declarations, use-by dates, and safety-critical heating instructions. Manufacturers and importers must ensure packaging compliance to avoid heightened enforcement risks, including mandatory recalls and business suspension for safety-critical labeling omissions.

3 Apr 2026, 19:27kanpo.go.jpJapan

US FDA Seeks Public Input on Market Name Change for Certain Rockfish (Sebastes spp.)

The US FDA is evaluating a potential market-name change for 18 Sebastes rockfish species, with public comments on the proposal due by May 1, 2026. A revision would necessitate significant updates to product labeling, allergen disclosures, and HACCP food-safety plans to maintain compliance and avoid misbranding.

3 Apr 2026, 10:12federalregister.govUnited States

US Codex Office Announces Public Meeting on CCFL49 Food Labelling Agenda

The US Codex Office is seeking stakeholder input ahead of May 2026 international negotiations on food labelling standards, focusing on precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) and multipack formats. Companies should monitor these proceedings as they will shape global benchmarks for allergen risk communication and supply chain transparency, directly impacting future export compliance.

2 Apr 2026, 09:33federalregister.govUnited StatesCanada

EU Commission Updates Union List of Novel Foods With New Authorisations and Akkermansia Labelling Changes

The EU has expanded its Union list of novel foods with new authorisations for rapeseed powder and lacto-N-tetraose, while tightening labelling and use conditions for pasteurised Akkermansia muciniphila. Manufacturers must align product formulations and marketing claims with these specific legal specifications to maintain market access and ensure compliance with updated probiotic safety standards.

1 Apr 2026, 19:45food.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

European Commission Replies to National Parliaments and Confirms Forthcoming EU Plant-Based Protein Action Plan

The European Commission has confirmed the launch of a comprehensive EU plant-based protein action plan by mid-2026 to address import dependencies. Businesses should anticipate a strategic shift toward localized protein sourcing and potential new sustainability and labeling standards for alternative proteins.

1 Apr 2026, 18:34ec.europa.euEuropean Union

US Federal Court Blocks Enforcement of Texas SB 25 Food Warning Label Requirement for 44 Ingredients

A US Federal Court has granted a preliminary injunction blocking Texas from enforcing mandatory warning labels on food products containing 44 specific ingredients, citing constitutional concerns over compelled speech. While the 2027 compliance deadline is currently stayed for the plaintiffs, food manufacturers should maintain reformulation and labeling contingency plans as the legal challenge progresses toward a final ruling.

31 Mar 2026, 19:46courtlistener.comUnited States

EU Council Presidency Suggests Amendments to Organic Production Regulation on Imports, Logo Use and Certification

The EU Council Presidency has proposed amendments to the Organic Production Regulation, extending third-country equivalence to 2036 and revising EU logo rules for imported ingredients. This shift requires supply chain adjustments for processed goods using imported organic components while offering operational relief through simplified certification and broader access to cleaning agents.

29 Mar 2026, 19:02data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

France National Assembly Bill Proposes Mandatory Nutri-Score Labelling on Food Products and Advertising

A new French bill proposes making Nutri-Score labelling mandatory for pre-packaged food and advertising by January 2027. This transition from voluntary to compulsory disclosure would impose significant financial risks, with non-compliance penalties reaching 2% of annual turnover.

29 Mar 2026, 17:39assemblee-nationale.frFrance

European Parliament Draft Report on Implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

The European Parliament's SANT Committee has issued a draft report demanding stricter tobacco controls, mandatory alcohol health warnings, and faster AI medical device approvals under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. This signals strong political pressure for upcoming revisions to tobacco, food, and medical device regulations, emphasizing mandatory labelling and streamlined market access for digital health innovations.

29 Mar 2026, 06:31europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Japan CAA Confirms 31 March 2026 Reporting Deadline and Enforcement for Functional Claims Foods

Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency has confirmed a strict March 31, 2026, deadline for mandatory self-check reporting on functional claims foods, with non-compliant products facing public database flagging and enforcement actions. Companies must ensure all outstanding reports are submitted immediately to avoid administrative orders for improper labeling and the loss of market access for functional health claims.

28 Mar 2026, 20:33caa.go.jpJapan

Belgium (AFSCA) Issues Circular On Egg Marketing Standards For Hen Eggs

Belgium’s food safety agency (AFSCA) implemented a consolidated circular on egg marketing standards in March 2026, aligning national enforcement with recent EU hygiene and labeling regulations. Operators must ensure strict adherence to updated grading and stamping protocols to mitigate the risk of product downgrading and ensure continued market access under the new inspection regime.

28 Mar 2026, 20:28favv-afsca.beBelgium

Gulf States Propose Draft GSO Standards for Sweetened Condensed and Evaporated Milk

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has proposed updated technical regulations for sweetened condensed and evaporated milk, aligning regional standards with recent Codex Alimentarius updates. Manufacturers must prepare for revised composition thresholds, stricter additive controls, and specific labeling requirements to maintain market access across the Gulf region.

28 Mar 2026, 18:22members.wto.orgUnited Arab EmiratesBahrainKuwaitOmanQatarSaudi Arabia

EU Submits Final Comments on Codex Food Additive INS List Changes (CCFA56)

The EU has finalized its position on proposed updates to the Codex International Numbering System (INS) for food additives, supporting the inclusion of new substances like monk fruit extract and sodium hydrosulphite. While these positions do not immediately alter EU law, they signal future alignment of international labeling and functional class standards for additives such as nisin and microcrystalline cellulose.

27 Mar 2026, 20:41data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Egypt Adopts ES 49 Standard for Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils With Six-Month Transitional Period

Egypt has adopted Ministerial Decree No. 57/2026, mandating the new ES 49 standard for olive oils and olive pomace oils with a six-month compliance window. Businesses should prepare for alignment with international Codex standards, ensuring product quality and labeling meet revised technical specifications for market access.

27 Mar 2026, 20:25track.pstmrk.itEgypt

European Parliament Adopts First-Reading Position on Wine Sector Support and Spirit Drink Labelling

The European Parliament adopted its first-reading position in February 2026 on new wine sector rules, harmonizing "alcohol-free" labelling and easing digital disclosure requirements. Producers must adapt to mandatory de-alcoholisation statements and updated vineyard management rules, while leveraging simplified branding and flexible e-labelling options.

27 Mar 2026, 18:42europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

US FDA Issues Online Advisory Letter to Divine Rx Nutrition for Disease-Claim Supplements

The FDA has issued an advisory letter to Divine Rx Nutrition for marketing supplements with unapproved disease-treatment claims, classifying them as illegal new drugs. This action signals continued aggressive enforcement against online health-claim violations, requiring firms to strictly audit digital marketing and labeling to mitigate regulatory risk.

27 Mar 2026, 18:39fda.govUnited States

US FDA Issues Online Advisory Letter to Bodynplant Over Unapproved Serious Disease Treatment Claims

The US FDA has issued an enforcement advisory against an online retailer for marketing unapproved products with claims to treat serious diseases such as cancer and HIV. This action underscores the FDA's aggressive monitoring of digital health claims, necessitating immediate audits of e-commerce marketing and labeling to mitigate enforcement and reputational risks.

27 Mar 2026, 18:39fda.govUnited States

European Commission Confirms Ongoing EFSA Re-evaluation Of Polyol Sweeteners

The European Commission has confirmed that EFSA is currently re-evaluating all authorized polyol sweeteners, with refined exposure data for erythritol expected by 2027 and opinions on six other polyols due in the coming years. While no immediate restrictions are planned, businesses should prepare for potential adjustments to use conditions, impurity specifications, or labeling requirements once EFSA finalizes its safety assessments.

27 Mar 2026, 18:37europarl.europa.euEuropean Union