Indonesia updates genetically modified food regulations to clarify sale requirements
The Indonesian government has updated regulations governing the production and sale of genetically modified (GM) foods.
Regulation & policy
Regulatory focus: Top 10 most-read APAC nutraceutical regulatory news of 2024
There has been a flurry of activity around Asia-Pacific’s nutraceutical regulatory landscape this year. Here, we reveal the top 10 stories that have garnered the most attention among our readers.
EFSA rejects creatine for cognitive function health claim
The European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected claims that creatine may improve cognitive function, with one expert telling us that “it’s way too early to conclude that creatine improves cognition overall.”
Regulatory review: India’s inter-ministerial report, Malaysia’s modern claims and more
We look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across Asia-Pacific’s health and nutrition sector, including India’s inter-ministerial committee report on nutraceutical regulations, new updates on modern claims product approval in Malaysia and...
India’s nutra regulations: Inter-ministerial committee report receives mixed industry response
An inter-ministerial committee from India has put forth a list of recommendations on how nutraceuticals could be regulated, which has received mixed industry response, especially around disease risk reduction claims.
Trump’s tariff threat: China botanical extracts suppliers look to SEA to mitigate economic impact
There are plans among China botanical extracts suppliers to build operations in South East Asia in a bid to bypass potential tariffs hikes under the new Trump administration.
‘Sunburnt and discoloured’: Japan steps up efforts to mitigate global warming impact on food security and quality
Japan is seeking to alleviate the impact of global warming on its domestic food supply chain after new data showed how rising temperatures are hitting crops and increasing food loss.
Dietary supplement industry considers the future of U.S.-China tariffs
The dietary supplement industry continues to closely monitor the evolution of tariff policies between China and the United States, pending the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.
‘Pharma drugs’ detected: Nearly 20 supplements from US, Japan, NZ banned by Korean regulator
South Korea’s food and drug regulator has banned almost 20 supplements that claim to support memory and concentration from the US, Japan and New Zealand as they contain ingredients regulated as pharmaceutical drugs in the country, say officials.
Malaysia’s ‘modern claims’: Regulator says five applications in, with one approved so far
Malaysia’s drug and health products regulator said that it has received five applications on natural products making so-called ‘modern claims’ since it introduced the framework in April this year, with one application approved as of October.
New Zealand to get ‘new bill’ to regulate natural products, while industry body voices ‘grave concerns’ over exports policy
The New Zealand government will introduce a new bill specifically to regulate natural products in the country, but no decisions have been taken on the scope or approach to be adopted, officials have announced.
No one-size-fits-all solution: Irresponsible of WHO to expect adherence to its guidelines over local laws – Australia’s Infant Nutrition Council
Local laws governing infant nutrition cannot be subservient to WHO guidelines that were not approved by member states, says Australia’s Infant Nutrition Council (INC) as it questions the global bodies role over policy.
Sweet move? China may allow chocolates, candies, jellies, beverages for health foods filing
China may allow health foods in the form of chocolates, candies, jellies, and beverages to go through the official health foods filing process.
WHO infant nutrition guidelines spark controversy over complementary feeding and formula policies in Australia
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines have ignited debate in Australia over when to introduce complementary food into an infant’s diet, and the policies governing of infant formula manufacturers.
Visible relief: Palm oil industry welcomes announcement of EUDR postponement – but troubles not over yet
The palm oil and other agrifood sectors may have breathed a collective sigh of relief at the European Commission (EC) announcement that EUDR enforcement will be delayed – but experts are warning that the root problems are yet to be resolved.
Bigger and bolder: India food firms to bump up font sizes on product labels to ensure clarity
Food manufacturers in India have been mandated to increase the boldness and font size of product nutritional information such as total sugar, salt and saturated fat on product labels.
Regulatory review: Halal certification, vitamin K2 use in FSMP, health star ratings and more
We look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across Asia-Pacific's health and nutrition sector, such as growing interest in acquiring halal-certification among food firms, and new regulatory initiatives by Food Standards Australia New Zealand...
Halal advancements: Indonesia on the brink of ‘golden opportunity’, but quality and infrastructure focus needed
Indonesia will be able to capitalise on a ‘golden opportunity’ with its halal food products industry as long as it improves product quality, safety and infrastructure, according to a leading halal certification official.
'Greater absorption': Australia, New Zealand regulator considering vitamin K2 use in FSMP
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is considering allowing the use of vitamin K2 in the form of menaquinone-7 in Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP).
Mandatory health star ratings? ANZ ministers concerned with slow uptake, nutrition info panel update also planned
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is considering making the Health Star Rating (HSR) mandatory after sluggish uptake from brands, while also reviewing updates to the nutrition information panel (NIP) information on packaged foods.
NMN in China: Safety first, with health foods registration underway for some companies
The recent ban on nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) into China via cross-border e-commerce was due to safety considerations, says a local industry association, which added that several China companies have put forth their products for health foods...
Japan’s functional food trends: Surge in products and new opportunities focused on women
Exclusive data on Japan's functional foods sector has highlighted a growing demand for 'femcare', signalling growth potential in areas such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder and vaginal health.
South Korea catches multiple goat-based food products making false health claims in latest crackdown
Nine companies from South Korea were caught for promoting goat extract and goat soup as health functional foods in the country’s latest crackdown on problematic food advertising.
Australia’s TGA plans to add liver injury warning to weight management ingredient
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is proposing to add liver injury warnings to complementary medicines containing the popular weight management ingredient Garcinia cambogia – also known as Garcinia gummi-gutta.
Regulatory review: Spotlight on Vietnam’s contaminant limits, Indonesia’s halal certification and more
We look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across Asia-Pacific, including Vietnam’s new limits on contaminant levels in health supplements, Indonesia’s new halal certification system for overseas products entering the country and more.
Vietnam to place new heavy metal, microbial limits for supplements from Aug 2025
Vietnam is introducing new limits on contaminants permitted in health supplements from August 1, 2025, but existing products can still be sold in the market until their expiry dates.
Halal happenings: Indonesia’s new halal certification system for international companies expected to boost food and beverage trade
The Indonesian government has launched a new halal certification system dedicated to international companies which is expected to significantly accelerate certified product imports into the country, including for foods and beverages.
'Ignoring ethical standards': Rapid rise of social commerce fuelling misleading functional foods online ads in Vietnam
The rapid rise of social commerce has brought along a host of problems related to the advertising of dietary supplements and functional foods in Vietnam, according to statistics from the industry association.
India’s food and drug authorities in talks over which body controls vitamins and minerals above RDA
There is an ongoing discussion between India’s food and drug regulators, as well as industry, on whether vitamins and minerals above one recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and upper limits should be regulated by the drug regulator instead.
Regulatory review: Spotlight on Vietnam’s ads review, ANZ’s health star rating and more
We look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across Asia-Pacific, including Vietnam’s Ministry of Health reviewing functional foods advertising rules, new requirements for Japan’s FFC manufacturers, and ANZ authorities’ push for Health Star...
Vietnam’s PM instructs health ministry review rules for functional foods advertising
Vietnam’s prime minister has instructed the country’s Ministry of Health to review rules governing functional food advertising.
China approved nearly 600 infant formulas in 2023 – new national standards data
China approved nearly 600 infant formulas based on the new GuoBiao (GB) or national standards last year.
Dairy descriptors: Taiwan drafts new regulations to ensure milk product clarity for consumers
Taiwanese authorities have drafted a new set of regulations for milk product labelling in the country, in the hope of reducing consumer confusion regarding the various items available on supermarket shelves.
Choking hazard: Australia proposes new labelling standards for large size supplements
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is proposing new labelling requirements for health supplements that come in a larger dosage size.
‘Use it - or be made to’: ANZ ministers gives food firms 17 months to hit Health Star Ratings targets
Food firms in Australia and New Zealand have been told that that if current 70% Health Star Rating uptake targets are not hit by November next year, it is likely to lead to mandatory implementation.
Regulatory review: New Zealand's natural health products, Japan's GMP requirement in the spotlight
We look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across APAC, including what's next for New Zealand's natural health products regulatory landscape, Japan requiring all Food with Function Claims (FFC) in tablets, capsules forms to comply with GMP...
‘Instant sales’: South Korea launches direct-to-consumer food commercialisation project to help local businesses
The South Korean government has set up a regulatory committee to implement an ‘instant sales’ direct-to-consumer food commercialisation industry project, hoping to help small businesses and reduce national food waste.
FFC supplement firms mandatory to follow GMP and report adverse cases – Japan’s CAA
Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) has made it mandatory for companies making Food with Function Claims (FFC) in the supplement format, such as tablets and capsules, to follow the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). They are also required to report...
New Zealand exports hope: Health minister signals potential policy shift for natural products, but detail in short supply
New Zealand’s associate health minister has attempted to assure industry players that they will have a modern regulatory regime that will boost exports while cutting red tape, but refused to commit to exact timelines for both quick wins or longer-term...
Cost savings? Imported health functional foods can now undergo automatic customs screening in Korea
Health functional foods imported into South Korea can now go through automatic document screening which takes up to only five minutes – an initiative that is also expected to help importers lower logistics costs when crossing the customs.
A new functional foods category in China? Proposal draws mixed reactions from regulatory experts - In-depth analysis
A proposal by Feihe Dairy’s chairman to add a new functional foods category to China’s regulatory system could offer financial and innovation benefits to brands, but there are concerns around its practicality and industry compliance.
New FAO-WHO study doubles previous vitamin D recommendations for young children
Vitamin D intake of 10 mg per day is appropriate for children under four years of age to maintain serum 25OHD concentrations, twice what was previously recommended.
South Korea lifts ban on use of pomegranate seeds and raspberry ketones
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has lifted a ban on the use of pomegranate seeds and raspberry ketones in food products.
Indian regulator clamps down on e-commerce sites selling “health drinks”
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is clamping down on e-commerce websites selling “health drinks”, as there are currently no regulations set in place for such products.
Urgent action needed: NZ natural products industry demands action to boost exports as Therapeutic Products Act repealed
The New Zealand natural health products industry is calling for urgent action to protect and boost exports after the country's health minister said the government would repeal the Therapeutic Products Act due to come into force in 2026.
Industry boost? South Korea now permitting second hand sales of health functional foods
The South Korean regulator has permitted the individual resale of health functional foods via online platforms from May 8 in a one-year long pilot project.
AYUSH products should not claim nutraceutical value – Indian authorities
Ayurveda and other related drugs or products are not allowed to claim nutraceutical value, the Indian authorities said.
‘Mislabelling and contamination’: Almost 70% of protein products tested in India don’t meet label claims
India’s protein sector is beset with misleading labels and there is also a worrying level toxin and heavy metal contamination, according to a new study, with calls being made for tighter regulatory oversight.
Third pathway: Malaysia’s new ‘modern claims’ system could drive more clinical research and business
The introduction of a new ‘modern claims’ system in Malaysia has been welcomed by industry players as it could drive more clinical research, expand new product options for consumers, and open local and international market opportunities.
Regulatory review: South Korea's personalised nutrition system, hair loss, height growth claims in the spotlight
In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we look at the latest regulatory announcements happening across APAC, including South Korea's plans in implementing a customised health functional food system following the success of a four-year pilot program,...