The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that the labeling requirements for genetically modified foods (GMOs) will be expanded to include soy sauce, sugars, and cooking oils. This decision comes as part of a regulatory update to the 'Standards for Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods' announced on the 27th. The agency highlighted that following the establishment of a legal basis for full GMO labeling last year, stakeholders including industry representatives, consumers, and academia collaborated to develop specific guidelines, which underwent review and approval by the Food Hygiene Review Committee.

Currently, products containing genetically modified soybeans and corn are required to be labeled as such only if they retain genetically modified DNA or proteins in their final form. However, with the new amendment, any final product using GMO-derived raw materials such as soy sauce, sugars (including sugar and oligosaccharides), and cooking oils (like soybean oil, canola oil, and margarine) must bear a GMO label, regardless of the presence of modified DNA or proteins after processing. The new labeling for soy sauce will take effect on December 31, while sugars and cooking oils will be regulated starting December 31 of the following year, highlighting the South Korean government's commitment to increasing transparency in food labeling practices.

This regulatory change reflects growing consumer demand for transparency regarding the presence of genetically modified ingredients in food products. By expanding the GMO labeling requirements, the government aims to foster informed consumer choices and enhance food safety standards, responding to both public concern and international trends in food labeling. It signifies a notable shift in how genetically modified foods are perceived and identified in South Korea, potentially influencing consumer behavior and market trends in the food industry.