India launches a series of food safety measures, but experts warn gaps remain
The Indian government has set up a committee to assess and refine the operations at Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Pradip Chakraborty, former director at FSSAI, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has set up a Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee to do so.
A member of the committee, he believes that FSSAI’s top concern, is to address regulatory ambiguity between food and drugs.
China to revise food import regulations: Easier access or shifting compliance burdens?
The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) is revising food import regulations, a move that could ease market access.
The revisions will be made to “Regulations on Registration and Administration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food” - where overseas food manufacturers may no longer need to register their production facility directly with the GACC.
Yet, industry experts warn that businesses must remain vigilant and adaptable as new details unfold.
Vitamin B12 sold via OTC, prescription in Taiwan to add new precautions
Vitamin B12 sold as either non-prescription over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription products in Taiwan have to add in caution of use statements.
The main intention is to alert individuals who are allergic to cobalt, which is a component of vitamin B12.
This is because cases like allergic contact dermatitis have been reported among people allergic to cobalt.
Ingredient revaluation: Green tea extract, lactic acid bacteria under spotlight in South Korea
Green tea extract and eight other ingredients used in health functional foods, have been selected for safety and functionality re-evaluation by South Korea’s food and drug regulator.
It is standard procedure for the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to re-evaluate the safety and functionality of health ingredients 10 years after giving them the green light.
The other ingredients under re-assessement include pomegranate concentrate, Gynostemma pentaphyllum leaf alcohol extract powder, and rosehip powder.
Hangover relief products must be backed by human tests – South Korea’s MFDS
Products that claim to provide hangover relief must be backed by data from human application tests, said the MFDS.
Expressions related to hangover relief include “sobering up” and “the day after drinking” and products using these terms would need to be supported by human data.
These data could come from human application testing conducted by the companies themselves or based on findings from systematic review.
