Food safety and hygiene newsletter Jan. 2026

Cinnamon is one of the most valuable non-timber forest products, playing an important role in exports and improving livelihoods for upland communities. Global consumption trends are shifting strongly toward organic products, especially in demanding markets such as the EU, the United States, and Japan. However, Vietnam currently lacks a dedicated National Standard (TCVN) for organic forestry – organic cinnamon, creating challenges in certification, traceability, and international integration. The issuance of this standard aims to:

• Establish a legal framework for organic cinnamon production;
• Ensure harmonization with international standards (USDA-NOP, EU 848/2018, JAS, GACP-WHO);
• Enhance competitiveness and export value of Vietnam’s cinnamon industry.

1. Scope of Application

• This standard specifies technical requirements for the organic production process, from seed sourcing, planting, tending, harvesting, preliminary processing, manufacturing, and storage of organic cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl.).
• It also sets technical requirements for organic cinnamon stick, organic cinnamon tube, organic cinnamon powder, and organic cinnamon essential oil.

2. Main Contents of the Draft

• Definitions: Organic cinnamon, organic cinnamon forest, organic cinnamon bark, organic cinnamon stick, organic cinnamon tube, organic cinnamon powder, organic cinnamon essential oil, organic cinnamon seed.
• Production Principles: Produced according to organic methods, without synthetic chemicals, ensuring environmental protection and biodiversity.
• Cultivation Process Requirements:
  • Cultivation conditions
  • Seed sources
  • Planting techniques
  • Care and maintenance techniques
  • Preliminary processing and manufacturing
  • Organic production plan
  • Record keeping, traceability, and product recall
• Technical Requirements:
  • Quality indicators: size, moisture, impurities, sensory attributes
  • Safety indicators: heavy metals, chlorine residues, sulfite (SO₂), microorganisms, pesticides
• Labeling and Traceability: Mandatory labeling as “organic” and traceability code under the national system.
• Testing Methods: Apply ISO, AOAC, and TCVN standards to ensure consistency and feasibility.

The draft TCVN “Organic Forestry – Organic Cinnamon” is a strategic step toward standardizing organic cinnamon production, meeting international integration requirements, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable economic development.

3. Timeline

• Public consultation: November 10, 2025 – January 10, 2026
• Drafting agency: Vietnam Forestry University in coordination with the Vietnam Administration of Forestry
• Stakeholders for comments: Enterprises, industry associations, technical experts, regulatory authorities

See attached link for details: https://mae.gov.vn/van-ban-du-thao-2056.htm

Draft Circular on Promulgating the National Technical Regulation for Alcoholic Beverages QCVN 6-3:2010/BYT dated October 15, 2025

On October 15, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued the Draft National Technical Regulation for Alcoholic Beverages QCVN 6-3:2010/BYT after more than 15 years of implementation. This revision stems from the need for international integration, protection of public health, and addressing shortcomings in practical management.

Vietnam is a member of the WTO and must comply with the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) and the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), ensuring that technical regulations do not create unnecessary trade barriers while still protecting consumers. In the context of continuously updated international standards, revising QCVN is an inevitable step.

1. Reasons for Revision

• International integration: The current QCVN references EC Regulation 110/2008, which has now been replaced by EU Regulation 2019/787 (updated in 2024) and Codex STAN 193-1995 (updated in 2023).
• Domestic reality: Traditional liquor accounts for a large proportion (236.2 million liters during 2013–2021), posing a serious risk of methanol poisoning.
• Outdated testing methods: AOAC and TCVN methods in the old QCVN are outdated and need updating to match laboratory capacity and international practices.
• Legal gaps: The current QCVN does not fully regulate distilled and blended white spirits – the most common product group in Vietnam.

2. Key Changes in QCVN

3. Transitional Provisions

• Conformity declaration: Products already declared in conformity with QCVN 6-3:2010/BYT may continue using this declaration for up to 6 months from the effective date of the new QCVN.
• Product labeling: Products circulated before the new QCVN takes effect may continue to use their labels until the expiration date indicated.
• Pre-printed packaging: May continue to be used, but not beyond 6 months from the effective date of the new QCVN.

Deadline for comments: Until December 13, 2025

Details and feedback submission link: https://moit.gov.vn/du-thao-van-ban/du-thao-quy-chuan-ky-thuat-quoc-gia-doi-voi-san-pham-do-uong-co-con.html

US

EPA establishes and revises pesticide residue tolerances for Isocycloseram and Glufosinate on various agricultural commodities 11/2025

I. Notice of Change on November 5, 2025 Regarding Cyclobutrifluram

On November 5, 2025, following the receipt and evaluation of a petition submitted by Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule establishing, for the first time, tolerances for residues of the new active ingredient Cyclobutrifluram on cotton, soybean, and leaf lettuce.

Effective Date: The rule is effective as of November 5, 2025.

Individuals or entities may file objections or request a hearing by January 5, 2026, in accordance with 40 CFR Part 178. The complete docket can be accessed at regulations.gov under docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0003.

EPA officially sets the maximum residue levels for the combined residues of cyclobutrifluram and its major metabolite SYN510275 (2-trifluoromethyl-nicotinamide), expressed as parent-equivalent, on the following commodity groups:

• Cotton; undelinted seed; Cotton, gin byproducts: 0.02 ppm
• Soybean, seed: 0.03 ppm
• Leaf lettuce (including romaine and other leaf lettuce types): 0.06 ppm

Key Points and Differences from Syngenta’s Original Petition:

• The residue definition for enforcement includes both the parent compound cyclobutrifluram and metabolite SYN510275, rather than only the parent compound as initially proposed. This reflects EPA’s current precautionary approach for active ingredients with stable and significant metabolites.
• The tolerance levels are higher than Syngenta’s original proposal because EPA incorporated the metabolite into the residue definition.
• Adjustments were made to increase tolerance levels across all commodities to prevent potential MRL violations in commercial trade while maintaining consumer safety.

Links: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/05/2025-19794/cyclobutrifluram-pesticide-tolerances

II. Notice of Change on November 17, 2025 Regarding Fluazinam and Chlorantraniliprole

1. Tolerance for Fluazinam on Asian Pear

On November 17, 2025, after reviewing a petition from ISK Biosciences Corporation, EPA issued a final rule establishing, for the first time, a tolerance for residues of Fluazinam on Asian pear at 0.02 ppm, consistent with the petitioner’s proposal and based on average residue data from U.S. and international trials.

Effective Date: The rule is effective as of November 17, 2025.

Objections or hearing requests must be submitted by January 16, 2026, under 40 CFR Part 178. The docket is available at regulations.gov under ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0319.

2. Time-Limited Tolerance for Chlorantraniliprole

On November 17, 2025, EPA issued a final rule establishing a time-limited tolerance for residues of Chlorantraniliprole (including its metabolites and degradates) on rice, grain at 15 ppm. This action responds to an emergency exemption under Section 18 of FIFRA, requested by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), allowing foliar application of Chlorantraniliprole to control stem borer, a severe pest causing significant economic damage to rice production in the state.

Effective Date: The rule is effective as of November 17, 2025, and expires on December 31, 2028.

Objections or hearing requests must be submitted by January 16, 2026, under 40 CFR Part 178. The docket is available at regulations.gov under ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2025-0284.

Links:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/17/2025-19917/fluazinam-pesticide-tolerances

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/17/2025-19910/chlorantraniliprole-pesticide-tolerance-for-emergency-exemption

III. Notice of Change on November 18, 2025 Regarding Fluopyram

On November 18, 2025, following a petition from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA-FAS), EPA issued a final rule establishing, for the first time, an import tolerance for residues of Fluopyram on mango at 1 ppm. This level aligns fully with the Codex Alimentarius MRL (1 ppm) and ensures coverage of actual residue variability without exceeding safety thresholds.

Effective Date: The rule is effective as of November 18, 2025.

Objections or hearing requests must be submitted by January 20, 2026, under 40 CFR Part 178. The docket is available at regulations.gov under ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0176.

Links: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/18/2025-20177/fluopyram-pesticide-tolerances

IV. Notice of Change on November 20, 2025 Regarding Glufosinate and Isocycloseram

On November 20, 2025, following petitions submitted by BASF Corporation and Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially issued two final rules concurrently. These rules establish, amend, and revoke certain tolerances for residues of Glufosinate (on rice and tea) and Isocycloseram (on multiple agricultural and livestock commodities).

Effective Date: This rule is effective as of November 20, 2025.

Individuals or organizations may file objections or request a hearing by January 20, 2026, in accordance with the procedures outlined in 40 CFR Part 178. Relevant documents can be accessed at regulations.gov under docket numbers EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0789 (for Glufosinate) and EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0641 (for Isocycloseram).

1. Glufosinate Tolerance Rule (EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0789)

• Establishment of maximum residue levels for tea:
  • Tea, plucked leaves: 0.05 ppm
  • Tea, dried: 0.50 ppm
  • Tea, instant: A separate tolerance of 0.09 ppm is established due to data indicating that glufosinate and its metabolites tend to concentrate in instant tea products.
• Adjustment of residue levels for rice:
  • Rice, grain: Reduced from 1.0 ppm to 0.9 ppm (aligned with Codex international standards).
  • Rice, hull: The 2.0 ppm tolerance is revoked.
  • However, to allow foreign producers to adapt in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement, EPA has set an expiration date for the previous tolerances on rice grain (1 ppm) and rice hull (2 ppm) six months after the rule’s effective date, i.e., May 20, 2026.

2. Isocycloseram Tolerance Rule (EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0641)

EPA establishes maximum residue levels for Isocycloseram on a wide range of agricultural commodities such as cereals (wheat, barley, corn), fruits (orange, apple, plum), vegetables (tomato, leafy greens), nuts (almond, peanut), as well as animal products (meat, milk, eggs), specifically:

• EPA harmonized tolerances with Codex MRLs for items such as Apple, wet pomace: 1 ppm; Fruit, citrus, group 10-10, oil: 80 ppm; and Plum, prune, dried: 1.5 ppm.
• For livestock products, EPA set stricter tolerances than Codex MRLs to ensure no potential trade barriers with key importing partners, including South Korea (meat) and Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam (dairy products).
• Compared to Syngenta’s original petition (PP 1F8934), EPA made several changes:
  • Tree Nut Group 14-12: EPA did not establish a group tolerance due to significant residue differences among representative crops. Instead, it set individual levels: 0.2 ppm for almond and similar nuts, and 0.01 ppm for pecan and similar nuts.
  • Tolerance for cattle fat, goat fat, horse fat, sheep fat was adjusted from 0.03 ppm to 0.05 ppm. Tolerance for meat byproducts was adjusted from 0.05 ppm down to 0.02 ppm.
  • Tolerance for Vegetable, leafy, group 4-16 was increased from 9 ppm to 10 ppm, and Fruit, citrus, group 10-10 from 0.4 ppm to 0.5 ppm (based on OECD tolerance calculator).

Link:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/20/2025-20399/glufosinate-pesticide-tolerances

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/20/2025-20460/isocycloseram-pesticide-tolerances

EU

EU adopts Regulation (EU) 2025/2473: Update to the list of low-risk active substances in Annex IV (05/12/2025)

On 05 December 2025, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/2473 amending Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 concerning maximum residue levels (MRLs) for certain active substances in food and feed.

Annex IV specifies active substances that are exempt from MRL limits because they are considered “low-risk” or not of concern.

Key points include:

1. Addition of Betabaculovirus phoperculellae to Annex IV

• Betabaculovirus phoperculellae has been approved as a “low-risk” active substance under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.
• EFSA concluded that consumer exposure to this substance poses no risk.
• Inclusion in Annex IV means no specific MRL is set – the default 0.01 mg/kg applies but is legally permitted.

2. Addition of “Elemental iron”

• Also approved as a low-risk active substance and assessed by EFSA: plant exposure from natural soil is higher than from plant protection use.
• Therefore, adding “elemental iron” to Annex IV is appropriate.

3. Rapeseed oil

• Previously included in Annex IV as a temporary measure.
• EFSA’s 2022 review confirmed that rapeseed oil has no harmful properties and exposure from plant protection use does not exceed dietary intake.
• The new regulation removes the “temporary” note, making rapeseed oil a permanent part of Annex IV.

This regulation will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (08/12/2025), which means the effective date is 28/12/2025.

For full details, see:  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/2473/oj/eng

China

Draft Regulation on Commodity Barcode Management 25/12/2025

On December 25, 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China released the draft “Regulation on Commodity Barcode Management” for public consultation.Commodity barcodes are regarded as the “ID card” of products and form an essential infrastructure of modern commerce. This revision aims to standardize barcode management, promote the development of a unified national market, and support product traceability.

1. Key Highlights

• Legislative Objective: Changed from “promoting the application of barcodes in e-commerce and goods circulation” to “promoting the development of a unified national market.”
• Definition of Barcode: QR codes are now included within the scope of commodity barcodes.
• Shortened Review Timeframes:
  • Preliminary review: reduced from 5 working days to 3.
  • Final approval: reduced from 5 working days to 2.
• Removal of Printing Qualification Requirement: This requirement was abolished in 2020.
• New Rule for Contract Manufacturing: Products manufactured under contract must use the barcode registered by the commissioning party and clearly indicate the entrusted relationship.

2. Renewal, Changes, and Deregistration

• Manufacturer identification codes are valid for 2 years.
• Renewal must be completed 3 months before expiration.
• Changes in company information must be reported within 30 days.
• Deregistration must be completed within 3 months after discontinuation of use.

3. Effective Date

• Deadline for submitting comments: 24/01/2026.
• The new regulation is expected to take effect in 2026, replacing the previous version issued in 2005.

For details, see: https://www.samr.gov.cn/hd/zjdc/art/2025/art_5c67bbcac8aa4ded826dd896b24f5d7b.html

Japan

Japan's Revised MRLs for Pesticides in 16/12/2025

On December 16, 2025 Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) released an amendment to the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for 6 Pesticide : Esprocarb, Ethaboxam, Mandipropamid, Picarbutrazox, Polyoxin-Zinc and Trifloxystrobin in certain food products. The amendment will be implemented immediately upon publication. However, certain food products will be implemented one year after publication. The change is as follows:

1. For example for detail the change implemented immediately in the table below:

2. Foods to which residue limits will apply one year after publication:

• Esprocarb: Rice (brown rice), wheat, and barley
• Ethaboxam: Grapes
• Mandipropamid : Onions, other Liliaceae vegetables, other Solanaceae vegetables, white cucumbers, mandarins (including outer peel), lemons, oranges (including navel oranges), and limes.
• Picarbutrazox: Tomato
• Trifloxystrobin:  Corn, other cereals, soybeans, peanuts, potatoes, taro (including eddo), sweet potatoes, yams (including nagaimo), other tubers, radish (including radishes), turnip roots, horseradish, burdock, salsify, garlic, asparagus, parsnip, other Solanaceae vegetables, lemons, oranges (including navel oranges), limes, apples, peaches (including peel and seeds), grapes, bananas, papayas, guavas, mangoes, passion fruit, chestnuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, other nuts, and coffee beans

For example for detail the change that will be implemented one year after the date of publication are in the table below:

For details see attached link: https://www.caa.go.jp/policies/policy/standards_evaluation/pesticide_residues/notice/assets/standards_cms208_251216_01.pdf

Proposal to Amend Food Labeling Standards 26/12/2025

Taiwan

Revises Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods 26/11/2025

On November 26, 2025, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced amendments to Appendix 1 of Article 3 and Appendix 5 of Article 6 in the  Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods.  The amendments came into force immediately.

• MRLs in Crops have been revised and been newly for the following 15 substances: Acynonapyr, Alanycarb, Chlormequat, Cyantraniliprole, Cyprodinil, Cyromazine, Fluazaindolizine, Fludioxonil, Fluoxapiprolin, Indoxacarb, Mandipropamid, Oxathiapiprolin, Pydiflumetofen, Tefuryltrione, Triafamone.
• For example for detail the change in the table below:

• MRLs in Animal Products have been revised and been newly for the following 10 substances: Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, Ethiprole, Fenitrothion, Fluxapyroxad, Metconazole, Permethrin, Phosmet, Propargite, Quinoxyfen
• For example for detail the change in the table below:

For details see attached link: https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/newsContent.aspx?cid=3&id=31306

Draft Regulation on Restrictions and Labeling of Food Ingredients (Mixture of 2’-Fucosyllactose and Difucosyllactose) – 16/12/2025

On December 16, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Taiwan announced a draft regulation concerning the use and labeling of food ingredients produced through fermentation using genetically modified Escherichia coli K-12 DH1 MDO MAP1001d strain, specifically the mixture of 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and Difucosyllactose (DFL). This marks an important step toward strict management of biotechnology-derived ingredients in foods for children.

Key Points of the Draft

1. Legal Basis

The draft is issued under Articles 15 and 22 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, aiming to:

• Ensure safety when using ingredients derived from genetically modified microorganisms.
• Clearly define scope of use, usage limits, and labeling requirements for consumer transparency.

2. Requirements for Use as Food Ingredients

• Scope of Use: Permitted only in:
  • Infant and follow-up formula.
  • Milk powder products intended for children under 7 years old.
• Usage Limits:
  • Infant and follow-up formula: ≤ 1.6 g/L (calculated after reconstitution).
  • Milk powder for children under 7: ≤ 1.2 g/L.
• Labeling Requirements: The ingredient packaging must display one of the following statements:
  • “This product is produced using genetically modified microorganisms.”
  • Or: “This product is produced using genetically modified microorganisms but does not contain genetically modified microorganisms or transgenic fragments.”

Finished food products after further processing are exempt from GMO labeling.

3. Ingredient Quality Standards

According to the attached specification table:

4. Significance of the Draft

• Establishes a legal framework for using HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) such as 2’-FL and DFL produced via genetically modified microorganisms in foods for children.
• Ensures safety and transparency through strict usage limits, quality standards, and labeling requirements.
• Protects vulnerable groups (infants and young children) with clear scope and usage restrictions.
• Aligns with international trends while promoting innovation in food technology.

5. Public Period

• Announcement Date: December 16, 2025
• Comment Deadline: 60 days from the announcement date
• Responsible Authority: Ministry of Health and Welfare (Taiwan FDA)

For details, please refer to the attached link: https://www.foodlabel.org.tw/FdaFrontEndApp/Law/Edit?SystemId=2a201449-2ba3-4c95-92b6-80606c03d1c7&clPublishStatus=2

Draft Regulation on PFAS in Food 29/12/2025