Food safety and hygiene newsletter July 2026

On July 1, 2026, the Ministry of Health issued Circular No. 27/2026/TT-BYT promulgating the List of food products, food containers, and food packaging materials in direct contact with food that are classified as having a medium level of risk and fall under the management responsibility of the Ministry of Health. This represents an important step in implementing risk-based management of food quality and food safety, in accordance with the Law on Food Safety and the Law on Product and Goods Quality.

The Circular was developed to clearly identify product groups classified as medium risk so that appropriate management measures can be applied, thereby ensuring consumer safety while facilitating the production, business, and importation of food products.

Under this regulation, the products covered are subject to the current National Technical Regulations (QCVNs), including:

• Infant formula products for children up to 12 months of age;
• Formula products for special medical purposes for infants up to 12 months of age;
• Follow-up formula products for children from 6 to 36 months of age;
• Processed cereal-based foods for children from 6 to 36 months of age;
• Food containers and food packaging materials made of synthetic plastics intended for direct contact with food;
• Food containers and food packaging materials made of rubber intended for direct contact with food;
• Bottled drinking water;
• Ready-to-use ice.

1. Nutritional Products for Infants and Young Children

• The listed products include:

• • Infant formula products for children up to 12 months of age (QCVN 11-1:2012/BYT);
  • Formula products for special medical purposes for infants up to 12 months of age (QCVN 11-2:2012/BYT);
  • Follow-up formula products for children from 6 to 36 months of age (QCVN 11-3:2012/BYT);
  • Processed cereal-based foods for children from 6 to 36 months of age (QCVN 11-4:2012/BYT).

• • For these products, enterprises are required to complete product declaration registration in accordance with Article 6 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP before placing the products on the market.

2.  Food Contact Packaging and Containers

• The listed products include:

• • Food containers and packaging materials made of synthetic plastics (QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT);
  • Food containers and packaging materials made of rubber (QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT).

• • For these products, enterprises are required to conduct self-declaration of products in accordance with Article 4 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP.

3.  Drinking Water and Ice Products

• The list also includes:

• • Bottled drinking water falling within the scope of QCVN 6-1:2010/BYT;
  • Ready-to-use ice falling within the scope of QCVN 10:2011/BYT.

• These products are also subject to the self-declaration procedure in accordance with Article 4 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP.

The Circular will take effect on July 1, 2026. The Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) has been assigned responsibility for providing implementation guidance, conducting inspections, and continuing to review and propose updates to the lists of medium-risk and high-risk products in the future.

For detailed information, please refer to the attached Circular No. 27/2026/TT-BYT.

Ministry of Science and Technology Issues Circular No. 36/2026/TT-BKHCN on the List of Medium-Risk and High-Risk Products and Goods

On June 30, 2026, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) issued Circular No. 36/2026/TT-BKHCN promulgating the List of Medium-Risk and High-Risk Products and Goods under the management responsibility of the Ministry of Science and Technology. This Circular is an important legal instrument that introduces a risk-based approach to product and goods quality management while replacing several existing regulations that are no longer suitable for current practice.

The Circular classifies products and goods according to their level of risk in order to apply corresponding quality management measures. This risk-based management approach enables competent authorities to focus regulatory resources on products that may significantly affect safety, public health, the environment, and consumer interests.

The Circular applies to organizations and individuals engaged in the manufacture, import, or trading of products and goods included in the lists, as well as agencies and organizations involved in quality management activities within the territory of Vietnam.

1. List of High-Risk Products and Goods

• The list of high-risk products and goods is provided in Appendix I to the Circular. Examples include:

• • Gasoline, diesel fuel, and biofuels;
  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG);
  • Toys (children's toy safety);
  • Electrical and electronic equipment (electrical safety);
  • Electrical cables and electrical installation equipment;
  • Electrical equipment for household electrical installations and similar installations;
  • Information technology and telecommunications equipment;
  • Radioactive materials and nuclear equipment.

• The corresponding quality management requirements for each product and goods category are also specified in Appendix I.
• Test results used as the basis for certification of conformity with technical regulations (certification of conformity) must be issued by a testing organization that:

• • Is accredited;
  • Or is designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology;
  • Or is recognized in accordance with applicable laws;
  • And has a testing scope appropriate to the relevant national technical regulation (QCVN).

• Recognition of testing results shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on standards, technical regulations, and product and goods quality.

2. List of Medium-Risk Products and Goods

• The list of medium-risk products and goods is provided in Appendix II to the Circular. Examples include:

• • Denatured and undenatured fuel ethanol;
  • Helmets for motorcycle and moped users;
  • Commercial natural gas;
  • Reinforcing steel for concrete;
  • Stainless steel;
  • Internal combustion engine lubricating oil;
  • LED lighting products;
  • Electrical and electronic equipment (electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC));
  • Other products and goods (such as hair dryers, meat grinders, blenders, electric cookers, etc.);
  • X-ray equipment for medical diagnosis and industrial applications.

• The corresponding quality management requirements are specified in Appendix II.
• Test results serving as the basis for self-assessment or certification of conformity must be issued by a testing organization that:

• • Is accredited;
  • Or is designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology;
  • Or is recognized in accordance with applicable laws;
  • And has a testing scope appropriate to the relevant national technical regulation (QCVN).

• Recognition of testing results shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on standards, technical regulations, and product and goods quality.

3. Management Principles

• Quality management shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on product and goods quality, standards, technical regulations, and the Ministry of Science and Technology's regulations on conformity assessment, certification of conformity, declaration of conformity, and quality inspection.
• Where multiple national technical regulations apply to a product, the product must comply with all applicable regulations; however, duplicate conformity assessment of the same technical requirement is not required.
• Where national technical regulations issued before this Circular contain different quality management requirements, the provisions of this Circular shall prevail.
• Where a new national technical regulation is issued, or an existing one is amended, supplemented, or replaced, the new regulation shall apply from its effective date.
• Products in the field of atomic energy shall be governed by the legislation on atomic energy and are exempt from certain provisions of this Circular.

4. Effective Date

• This Circular takes effect on July 1, 2026.
• From the effective date of this Circular, the following legal documents cease to have effect:

• • Circular No. 29/2025/TT-BKHCN on the List of Products and Goods Capable of Causing Safety Risks in the Information Technology and Telecommunications Sector under the Management of the Ministry of Science and Technology;
  • Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BTTTT promulgating regulations on certification of conformity and declaration of conformity for information technology and communications products and goods;
  • Circular No. 15/2018/TT-BTTTT amending and supplementing certain provisions of Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BTTTT;
  • Circular No. 10/2020/TT-BTTTT amending and supplementing certain provisions of Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BTTTT;
  • Joint Circular No. 58/2015/TTLT-BCT-BKHCN on quality management of domestically manufactured and imported steel;
  • Circular No. 01/2009/TT-BKHCN on the List of Products and Goods Capable of Causing Safety Risks under the Management of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

• Where legal documents, national technical regulations, or HS codes referenced in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, the new provisions shall apply unless transitional provisions provide otherwise.

5. Transitional Provisions

• Certificates of conformity and declarations of conformity issued before July 1, 2026 remain valid until their stated expiry dates.
• Applications for certification of conformity, quality inspection, and designation of conformity assessment bodies received before July 1, 2026 shall continue to be processed under the regulations in force at the time the applications were received.
• Conformity assessment bodies designated prior to July 1, 2026 may continue to perform conformity assessment activities until the expiration of their designation decisions.
• During the period in which the National Single Window Information Portal is being upgraded, registration for quality inspection of imported goods shall be carried out through the National Public Service Portal or in accordance with the guidance of the competent inspection authority, ensuring that lawful import activities are not disrupted.
• Applications for designation of conformity assessment bodies received before July 1, 2026 but not yet finalized shall continue to be processed under the regulations in force at the time of receipt.

For further details, please refer to the attached document.

Ministry of Industry and Trade issues Circular No. 31/2026/TT-BCT on product and goods traceability

On June 11, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular No. 31/2026/TT-BCT, regulating the traceability of products and goods under its management scope.

The Circular stipulates traceability requirements for groups of products and goods with a high level of risk under the management of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Applicable entities include:

• Traders manufacturing, trading, and importing products and goods within the scope of this Circular
• Consumers
• State management agencies and relevant organizations and individuals

1. Principles of application

• Mandatory application for high-risk goods
• Enterprises may:

• • Use the Ministry’s system; or
  • Develop their own internal system (must be connected to the Ministry of Industry and Trade system)

• Ensure data safety, security, and cybersecurity

2. Traceability of products and goods

1. Requirements for product identification

• Enterprises must at least provide:

• • Enterprise name
  • Business registration certificate
  • Product name and image
  • Documents proving ownership (if any)
  • Digital signature

2.  Requirements for traceability of products and goods

• The minimum required information to be declared includes:

• • Product name
  • Origin
  • Image
  • Name and address of the manufacturer/trader
  • Traceability code (if any)
  • Key traceability events and their timestamps in the supply chain in accordance with TCVN 12850 or GS1
  • Brand, trademark, lot/batch number or serial number (if any)
  • Expiry date (if any)
  • Applicable standards (TCVN, QCVN, international, regional, or enterprise standards)

• For imported goods, additional information is required:

• • Name, address, and tax code of the importer
  • Information on the official distributor in Vietnam (if any)

3. Consumer access to information

Consumers are entitled to:

• Look up and access product information free of charge, including:

• • Product name
  • Origin
  • Image
  • Name and address of the manufacturer/trader
  • Brand, trademark, lot/batch number or serial number (if any)
  • Expiry date (if any)

• Provide feedback on the accuracy of the data

4. Data storage requirements

• Products with expiry date: data must be retained for at least 12 months after expiry
• Products without expiry date: data must be retained for 60 months
• Data stored in the internal traceability system must:

• • Be connected to and shared with the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s system
  • Ensure integrity, with mechanisms for change control and update history recording
  • Be readily available for competent authorities upon request

• Additionally, data must be stored electronically, ensuring security, confidentiality, and integrity, and must be easily accessible and extractable when needed

5. Requirements for internal enterprise systems

• Enterprises developing their own systems must:

• • Connect via API to the Ministry’s system
  • Ensure data integrity and security
  • Be capable of providing data within 24 hours upon request

3. Traceability system of the Ministry of Industry and Trade

1.  Ministry’s system

• Centrally operated at: https://verigoods.vn
• The system receives, records, stores, and manages traceability data, and generates codes for display, lookup, and data linking
• Enterprises must create accounts and update information on the system
• The Ministry manages and operates the system
• The system ensures connectivity and data sharing with the national product and goods traceability portal

2. Management and use of identification and traceability codes

• Enterprises are responsible for properly managing and using traceability codes and attaching them in accordance with regulations
• The Ministry may conduct inspections when violations are suspected, and may request explanations within 24 hours or temporarily suspend the display of information to protect consumers
• Information will be restored after official conclusions
• Traceability codes may be revoked if:

• • False or misleading information is provided
  • Data is not properly updated
  • Legal violations occur
  • Corrective actions are not implemented as required

3.  Data carriers

• Traceability codes must be printed or affixed directly onto products or packaging in appropriate forms (labels, printing, engraving, etc.)
• Data carriers must comply with TCVN 13275:2020
• Enterprises may choose the format, but must ensure easy identification and traceability

4. Transitional provisions

• Enterprises that already have traceability systems may continue to use them but must upgrade and connect them to the Ministry’s system before January 1, 2027.
• Implementation roadmap:

• • From the effective date: implement product identification
  • From January 1, 2027: full traceability is mandatory before products are circulated
  • Enterprises established after January 1, 2027 must comply immediately

• Effective date:

• • This Circular takes effect from July 1, 2026
  • If referenced regulations are amended or replaced, the new regulations shall apply

For full details, refer to the attached link: https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Thuong-mai/Thong-tu-31-2026-TT-BCT-truy-xuat-nguon-goc-san-pham-hang-hoa-thuoc-Bo-Cong-thuong-710279.aspx

Draft of 15 National Standards on Food Safety

The Ministry of Health is currently organizing a broad public consultation for the Draft system of 15 National Standards (TCVN) regulating food testing methods and quality control. This update cycle focuses on standardizing laboratory analytical procedures for high-risk product groups or those with stringent micronutrient requirements, including: Infant formula, Health supplements, and beverages. The deadline for receiving written comments and feedback is through July 30, 2026.

I. Legal Basis of the Draft

The new system of 15 TCVN is developed to synchronize the national technical standard system with the latest updates from the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

II. Detailed Technical Content of the Standard Groups

A total of 15 separate testing and quality control standards have been proposed.

No.	Draft TCVN Standard	Reference International Standard
1	TCVN XXXX: 2026 Food - Determination of total antioxidant capacity by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)- Fluorescence method	AOAC 2012.23 Total antioxidant capacity by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) using fluorescein as the fluorescence probe
2	TCVN XXXX:2026 Food - Determination of Polysorbate 60 Content by Gravimetric Method	AOAC 974.11 Polysorbate 60 in Shortening, Oils, Dressings. Gravimetric Method
3	TCVN XXXX: 2026 Tea – Determination of nickel by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method	AOAC 971.20 Copper and Nickel in Tea. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Method
4	TCVN XXXX:2026 Infant formula and related nutritionals – Simultaneous determination of total vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6 – Enzymatic digestion and LC-MS/MS method	AOAC 2015.14, Revised in 2018, Simultaneous Determination of Total Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6 in Infant Formula and Related Nutritionals by Enzymatic Digestion and LC-MS/MS
5	TCVN XXXX: 2026 Food ingredients and products – Determination of protein from soybeans, rice, and peas using LC-MS/MS method	AOAC 2017.11 Identification of Pea, Rice, and Soy Proteins in Raw Materials and Finished Goods ESI HPLC-MS/MS
6	TCVN XXXX:2026 Dietary Ingredients and Finished Dosage Forms containing Echinacea – Determination of phenolic compound by HPLC method	AOAC 2018.08 Phenolic Compounds in Dietary Supplements and Dietary Ingredients Containing Echinacea HPLC-UV
7	TCVN XXXX: 2026 Dietary Ingredients and Finished Dosage Forms containing Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius – Determination of ginsenosides content by HPLC method	AOAC 2018.09 Ginsenoside Content in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and Panax quinquefolius L. Root Materials and Finished Products
8	TCVN XXXX:2026 Dietary products – Determination of nonvolatile ginger constituents by HPLC method	AOAC 2018.04 Select Nonvolatile Ginger Constituents in Dietary Ingredients and Finished Dosage Forms HPLC-UV
9	TCVN XXXX: 2026 Water, carbonated and non-carbonated alcoholic beverages – Determination of Bisphenol A content by LC-MS/MS	AOAC 2017.15 Bisphenol A (BPA) in Commercially Packaged Ready-to-Consume Carbonated and Noncarbonated Water and Nonalcoholic Beverages LC-MS/MS (First Action 2017)
10	TCVN XXXX:2026 Water, carbonated and non-carbonated non-alcoholic beverages – Determination of Bisphenol A content by UPLC-FLD	AOAC 2019.07 Bisphenol A (BPA) in Beverages. Immunoaffinity Column Purification and UPLC with Fluorescence Detector
11	TCVN XXXX: 2026 Microbiology in food – Estimation of alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens	AOAC 974.38 Clostridium perfringens in Foods $\alpha$-Toxin Estimation Method
12	TCVN XXXX:2026 Microbiology of the food chain – Confirmation and identification of Salmonella spp., Cronobacter spp., Campylobacter spp. and other Gram-negative organisms using MALDI-TOF MS	AOAC 2017.09 Confirmation and Identification of Salmonella species, Cronobacter species, Campylobacter species, and Other Gram-Negative Organisms Using the Bruker MALDI Biotyper Method
13	TCVN XXXX: 2026 Microbiology of the food chain – Confirmation and identification of Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria spp., and other gram-positive organisms using MALDI-TOF MS	AOAC 2017.10 Confirmation and Identification of Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria species, and Other Gram-Positive Organisms Bruker MALDI Biotyper Method
14	TCVN 9332: 2026 (ISO 19036:2019) Microbiology of the food chain – Estimation of measurement uncertainty for quantitative determinations (To replace TCVN 9332:2012 (ISO/TS 19036:2006, With Amd. 1:2009))	TCVN 9332:2026 is fully equivalent to ISO 19036:2019.
15	TCVN 9331:2026 (ISO 22117:2019) Microbiology of the food chain – Specific requirements and guidance for proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison (To replace TCVN 9331:2012 (ISO/TS 22117:2010))	TCVN 9331:2026 is fully equivalent to ISO 22117:2019.

The draft of 15 TCVN is specifically divided into the following target product groups and analytical criteria:

1. Milk, infant formula, and plant proteins

• Analysis of Vitamin B content: Regulates the sample preparation method by enzymatic digestion, followed by analysis using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. This method applies to the simultaneous determination of the relevant forms of four B-group vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B6) in infant formula and adult nutritionals.
• Identification of protein origin: Regulates the mass spectrometry liquid chromatography analysis method to identify the origin of proteins from soy, rice, and pea in raw material samples and finished products based on the identification of characteristic peptide sequences.

2. Herbal health supplements

Regulates analytical procedures using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with an optical detector to determine the content of active ingredients in raw materials and finished products:

• Products containing Echinacea (Purple coneflower): Regulates the extraction procedure using a solvent system and chromatographic analysis to determine major phenolic compounds including caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cynarin, echinacoside, and cichoric acid.
• Products containing Ginseng and American Ginseng: Regulates the procedure for determining the content of core ginsenosides including Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd.
• Products containing Ginger: Regulates the procedure for determining characteristic nonvolatile constituents including gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone derivatives.

3. Additives, migrated chemicals, and bioactivity in beverages

• Determination of Bisphenol A (BPA): Regulates liquid chromatography methods combined with mass spectrometry detectors or fluorescence detectors to determine free BPA content in commercially prepackaged water and nonalcoholic beverages. The procedure utilizes immunoaffinity columns for sample cleanup.
• Determination of Polysorbate 60 emulsifier: Regulates the gravimetric method applicable to the specified content range in shortening, fats, and food dressings through extraction, saponification, fatty acid separation, and precipitation with a barium complex.
• Determination of antioxidant activity (ORAC): Regulates the fluorometric method based on the use of a peroxyl radical generator source at a specified temperature to evaluate the protective capacity of antioxidants on a fluorescence probe.

4. Microbiological analysis and laboratory data management

• Confirmation and identification of bacteria by mass spectrometry system: Regulates the procedure using a mass spectrometry system for rapid confirmation and identification of Gram-negative bacterial strains (Salmonella spp., Cronobacter spp., Campylobacter spp.) and Gram-positive strains (Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria spp.) from isolated colonies.
• Estimation of bacterial toxins: Regulates the method for estimating the alpha-toxin content of Clostridium perfringens in the food chain for food poisoning cases where viable bacterial cells no longer exist or are difficult to detect directly.
• Measurement uncertainty and Proficiency testing: Regulates statistical mathematical guidance to estimate measurement uncertainty for quantitative microbiological analyses, excluding systematic bias. It also establishes specific requirements for organizing microbiological proficiency testing programs (interlaboratory comparisons) in accordance with international quality management standards.

III. Comments Submission and Reception Process

• Lead agency: Ministry of Health (in coordination with specialized National Institutes for Food Control).
• Target entities for consultation: Food manufacturing and trading establishments; certification organizations, testing laboratories; professional associations, and experts in the field of food safety.
• Closing deadline: July 30, 2026.
• Content requirements for feedback: Written feedback should focus directly on the technical feasibility of the procedural steps in the test methods, chemicals used, accuracy of the measurement ranges, and compatibility with the current laboratory equipment infrastructure in Vietnam.

Link: https://moh.gov.vn/index.jsp?pageId=6043&id=651&cid=7261

Ministry of Industry and Trade issues Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BCT on the List of Imported Goods (with HS codes)

On June 1, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BCT, which provides the list of imported goods (with HS codes) subject to state food safety inspection. This document plays an important role in improving the regulatory framework for imported food management, while also establishing a clear legal basis for enterprises to carry out import procedures.

1. Principles of application

• The HS codes of goods are determined in accordance with the current Vietnam’s Nomenclature of Exports and Imports.
• In cases of discrepancies or unclear classification:
  • Classification shall be carried out in accordance with customs laws.
  • Goods not listed in the catalog shall still be assigned HS codes in accordance with current regulations.

• This provision ensures consistency between food safety management and customs management.

2. List of goods subject to inspection under the Ministry of Industry and Trade

• Beverages, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, beer, and food-grade alcohol
• Processed milk
• Vegetable oils
• Flour and starch products
• Confectionery products (cakes, jams, candies)
• Note: This Circular does not apply to tools, packaging materials, or containers for food.

3. Transitional provisions

• For consignments whose dossiers for state food safety inspection of imported food were submitted before the effective date of this Circular, the procedures shall continue to be carried out in accordance with the regulations effective at the time of dossier submission, unless organizations or individuals voluntarily choose to apply the provisions of this Circular.

4. Effectiveness

• Date of issuance: June 1, 2026
• Effective date: July 17, 2026
• At the same time, Circular No. 11/2022/TT-BCT ceases to be effective from the effective date of this Circular.

Detailed information is available in the attached file:

https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Xuat-nhap-khau/Thong-tu-28-2026-TT-BCT-Danh-muc-mat-hang-nhap-khau-thuc-hien-kiem-tra-an-toan-thuc-pham-707894.aspx?dll=true

 

Malaysia

Amendment to Food Regulations in Malaysia

Hong Kong

Proposed Amendments to the Sweeteners in Food Regulations 

On 02 June 2026, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department of Hong Kong announced proposed amendments to the Sweeteners in Food Regulations (Cap. 132U) with a view to enhancing public health protection and aligning with international standards.

Sweeteners are a type of food additive used to replace sugar in providing sweetness to food products. According to the CFS, only sweeteners that have undergone rigorous safety evaluation and have been proven safe for consumption are permitted for use.

Under the current regulations, only 10 sweeteners are permitted for use in food in Hong Kong. The scope of regulation does not fully cover certain commonly used sweetener groups at present.

Key proposed amendments

1. Expansion of regulatory scope – inclusion of polyols

• Polyols (also known as sugar alcohols) are widely used as sweeteners, including:

• • Sorbitol
  • Xylitol
  • Maltitol

• Characteristics: Widely used in chewing gum and reduced-sugar foods, Some occur naturally in certain foods

2.Expansion of the list of permitted sweeteners

• It is proposed to amend the Schedule of the Regulations to increase the number of permitted sweeteners from 10 to 21.

Existing sweeteners	Newly added sweeteners
Acesulfame potassium Alitame Aspartame Aspartame-acesulfame salt Cyclamate Neotame Saccharin Steviol glycosides (甜菊糖苷) Sucralose (三氯蔗糖) Thaumatin	Erythritol Isomalt Lactitol Maltitol Maltitol syrup Mannitol Polyglycitol syrup Sorbitol Sorbitol syrup Xylitol Advantame

3. Establishment of use limits by food category

The proposal introduces detailed requirements based on “sweetener–food” combinations, instead of only listing permitted sweeteners:

• Adoption of the Codex (GSFA) food classification system
• Setting maximum permitted levels (MPLs) for each specific combination (e.g. neotame in frozen fruits vs. preserved fruits)
• Standards primarily based on Codex (~80%), supplemented by Mainland China standards (~20%) for local food types
• Allowing 11 sweeteners to be used under the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principle (i.e. at the minimum level necessary)

4. Other amendments

• Application of the carry-over principle: For composite foods, the maximum level of sweeteners will be determined based on the proportion and corresponding limits of each ingredient
• Exemption for naturally occurring sweeteners: Naturally occurring levels in foods are exempted, while added sweeteners remain regulated
• Updates to naming: The Chinese names of certain sweeteners will be revised to align with Codex and Mainland standards

5. Implementation and support for industry

• According to the CFS, testing of around 900 food samples found that approximately 98% complied with the proposed limits, indicating strong industry readiness
• To facilitate transition, the authority proposes:

• • An 18-month transitional period after the regulation is enacted
  • During this period, products complying with either the existing or the new requirements will be accepted

Public consultation on the proposed amendments is expected to take place within 2026.

For more details, please refer to: https://www.cfs.gov.hk/sc_chi/press/20260602_12431.html

Australia & New Zealand

FSANZ Circular 397-26 regarding the 2’-FL Approval and Caffeine Regulation

On 9 June 2026, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) published Notification Circular 397-26, providing official information on recent updates to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

This Circular forms part of FSANZ’s obligations under the FSANZ Act 1991, ensuring that stakeholders, the public, and relevant government agencies are informed in a timely manner of changes to food regulations.

Approved amendments:

1. Application A1334 – 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) from a genetically modified microorganism

• Approval for the use of 2’-FL produced using genetically modified Corynebacterium glutamicum
• The gene donor organism is Corynebacterium urealyticum
• Intended use: infant formula products

2’-FL is a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) that supports infant immune and digestive health. The approval expands production sources, enhancing both flexibility and supply of this ingredient.

2. Proposal P1056 – Caffeine review

• Review of regulatory provisions relating to caffeine in food, including:

• • Maximum permitted levels
  • Labelling requirements
  • Risk assessment for consumers

• Further details: https://mrls.skhd.com.vn/vi/uc-va-new-zealand-fsanz-phe-duyet-sua-doi-theo-proposal-p1056-ve-quan-ly-caffeine-trong-thuc-pham-24032026.html

Notification Circular 397-26 marks an important update in food standards regulation in Australia and New Zealand, particularly in relation to:

• The application of biotechnology in food ingredients
• Strengthened control of substances with potential health impacts, such as caffeine

Food businesses are advised to closely monitor FSANZ Circulars and Gazettes to ensure compliance and to take advantage of opportunities for product innovation.

More information: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-standards-code/circulars/notification-circular-397-26

Taiwan

Draft Amendment to the Standards for Contaminants and Toxins in Food

On 29 June 2026, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced a draft amendment to the “Sanitation Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food”, specifically concerning Article 6 and Appendix 1 of Article 3.

The proposed amendment focuses on strengthening the control of Cadmium (Cd) in certain aquatic species, based on actual monitoring data and dietary risk assessment.

Accordingly, the authority has conducted surveys on the natural occurrence levels of Cadmium in several commonly consumed aquatic species, including:

• Silver-stripe round herring / anchovy (銀帶鯡 / 丁香魚) with a proposed limit of 0.15 mg/kg
• Pacific saury (秋刀魚) with a proposed limit of 0.1 mg/kg
• Sea urchin (海膽) with a proposed limit of 1 mg/kg

Based on these data, TFDA proposes to establish specific regulatory limits for Cadmium in the above-mentioned product categories to enhance food safety control.

Public consultation period: within 60 days from the date of publication.

For detailed information and submission of comments, please refer to:

https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/newsContent.aspx?cid=5072&id=31582

Further details of the draft amendment are provided in the attached documents.

Draft Regulation on the Naming and Labeling of Edible Olive Oil and Olive Pomace Oil Products

On June 12, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) of Taiwan issued a draft regulation on the “Naming and Labeling of Edible Olive Oil and Olive Pomace Oil Products” under Official Letter No. 1151300507.

This regulation is established based on the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, specifically Article 22, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 10. It applies to the following products:

• Olive oil
• Olive pomace oil

These products must be manufactured entirely from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.), ensuring compliance with the defined nature of raw materials.

1. Product naming and classification

To prevent misleading product names or names that do not reflect the true nature of the product, the draft standardizes commercial product names based on processing methods as follows:

Product name	Production process
Virgin olive oil	Produced by mechanical processes (pressing, filtration, centrifugation) without chemical treatment
Refined olive oil	Subjected to processes such as degumming, deacidification, bleaching, and deodorization
Olive oil	A blend of virgin olive oil and refined olive oil
Refined olive pomace oil	Extracted from olive pomace using solvents or other physical methods, followed by refining
Olive pomace oil	A blend of virgin olive oil and refined olive pomace oil

In addition, products labeled as “virgin olive oil” may be designated as: “Extra virgin olive oil” if they meet the applicable standards.

2. Labeling requirements

• The draft introduces stricter requirements to avoid consumer confusion, particularly for olive pomace oil:

• • The name “olive pomace oil” must be clearly displayed
  • It must not be labeled as “olive oil”
  • The font size of the product name must be consistent and not misleading

• These requirements aim to clearly distinguish virgin olive oil from pomace-derived products, which differ significantly in quality and value.

3. Product quality standards

Parameter	Extra virgin olive oil	Virgin olive oil	Refined olive oil	Olive oil	Refined olive pomace oil	Olive pomace oil
Free acidity (≤, %)	≤ 0,8	≤ 2,0	≤ 0,3	≤ 1,0	≤ 0,3	≤ 1,0
Delta K	≤ 0,01	≤ 0,01	≤ 0,16	≤ 0,15	≤ 0,20	≤ 0,18

These parameters reflect:

• Free acidity: an indicator of oil degradation
• Delta K: a spectrophotometric index used for quality control and detection of processed oils

The draft is open for public consultation for 60 days from the date of publication.

The regulation is scheduled to enter into force on July 1, 2027.

For further details and submission of comments, please refer to:

http://csmmhu.fda.gov.tw/mhufda_a/click.aspx?url=Wm%2fU0Dki24FXUvfmmOg9WBS9aHvO10zxR7C5cxh1rG3INGorIc86r6tPhPKt%2f6SxqYsgASv8WjeYN1j%2feIxfvA%3d%3d&k=rVaAR9K7q2hDdaapRB2Fdyhhv%2fx4jRdEkF%2f72Ai%2b34g%3d&link=0

Detailed table is provided in the attached document.