Require the nutrition facts labels of children’s favorite foods, etc., to indicate the values per total net quantity, provided that where the total net quantity exceeds 100 g (ml) and exceeds three times the serving size, the information may be given per 100 g (ml)
(1) Reasons for Proposal
Labeling Standards for Food, etc., concerning the units used in nutrition facts labels have been amended to help consumers to easily understand and use information on the nutritional content, etc., of food. Accordingly, this Amendment reflects the relevant provisions to prevent confusion among consumers and contribute to children's obesity prevention and health promotion.
It also specifies the scope of the term “online media” prescribed in the labeling methods for nutrition facts.
(2) Major Provisions
A. Modify terms concerning the units used in nutrition facts labels, and amend a number of provisions concerning labeling methods (attached Table 1-3. A; attached Table 2-3. A)
1) Realign the relevant provisions with the amended Labeling Standards for Food, etc., concerning the units used in nutrition facts labels.
2) Change the term “nutrient reference value” to “daily nutrient reference value” and “serving size” to “reference amount customarily consumed" in the labeling standards and methods for nutrition facts.
3) Amend provisions to require that nutrition facts shall be provided per total net quantity, per unit net quantity (cup, portion, piece, etc.), or per reference amount customarily consumed instead of per serving size.
4) Reduce confusion in civil services by aligning the regulations.
B. Amend the term “online media” for clarification of the scope thereof (attached Table 1-3. B)
1) Specify the scope of the term “online media” to clarify the applicability of provisions.
2) Clearly prescribe that the scope of “online media” shall be “websites, mobile applications, etc.”
3) Enhance understanding in civil services by clarifying provisions.
(3) Amendment Details
Partial Amendment to the Regulations on Labeling Standards and Methods for Nutrition Facts of Children's Favorite Foods, etc., and High-caffeine Foods
Partially amend the Regulations on Labeling Standards and Methods for Nutrition Facts of Children's Favorite Foods, etc., and High-caffeine Foods as follows.
Change [Attached Table 1] 3. A. 1) and 2) as follows, newly insert 3) through 5) as follows, and change the former 3) to 6).
1) The names and content of nutrients shall be provided. Nutrient content shall be provided in the nutrient units of the daily nutrient reference values pursuant to [Table 3] of the Labeling Standards for Food, etc. The same units shall be used where a label also indicates the reference amount customarily consumed, total net quantity (or 1 package), or unit net quantity, etc. In such cases, the percentages (%) relative to the daily nutrient reference values may be added to the label.
2) Nutrient content shall be provided per total net quantity (or 1 package); provided that the content may be indicated per 100 g (ml) instead of per total net quantity where the total net quantity exceeds 100 g (ml) and exceeds three times the reference amount customarily consumed pursuant to III. Individual Label Particulars and Labeling Standards of the Labeling Standards for Food, etc., and [Table 1] of the Labeling Standards for Livestock Products.
3) Notwithstanding the provisions of 2), where a product is able to be divided into cups, portions, pieces, or other units (hereinafter “units”) and the net quantity of a unit is not less than 100 g (ml) or not less than the reference amount customarily consumed, the nutrition content shall be provided per unit net quantity. In such cases, the weight (g) or volume (ml) of the total net quantity (or 1 package) or unit product shall be indicated, and the number of unit products shall be indicated.
4) Notwithstanding the provisions of 2) to 3), where the unit net quantity is less than 100 g (ml) and less than the reference amount customarily consumed, the nutrient content may be provided per unit net quantity. In such cases, the nutrient content per total net quantity (or 1 package) shall also be indicated.
5) Notwithstanding the provisions of 2) through 4), nutrient content may be provided per reference amount customarily consumed. In such cases, the nutrient content per total net quantity (or 1 package) shall also be indicated; provided that where the total net quantity exceeds 100 g (ml) and exceeds three times the reference amount customarily consumed, the nutrient content per 100 g (ml) may be added to the label.
In the main sentence of [Attached Table 1] 3. B. 3), change “online media” to “website, mobile application, or other online media” and in the proviso, change “online media” to “website, mobile application, or other online media” and in 4) of the same item, change “online media” to “website, mobile application, or other online media.”
In [Attached Table 2] 3. A, change “per serving size” to “per reference amount customarily consumed.”
Addenda
Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Notice shall enter into force on January 1, 2020.
Article 2 (Applicability) This Notice shall apply to foods prepared or sold on or after the enforcement date of this Notice; provided that this Notice may be applied to foods prepared or sold before the enforcement of this Notice if thus requested.
