Food safety and hygiene newsletter May 2026

On 07 April 2026, the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan (CAA) issued Notification No. 140 regarding the partial amendment of the “Standards and Specifications for Foods and Food Additives.”

This notification was promulgated to update and revise technical requirements related to Zinc gluconate and Sulfites, including the supplementation, modification, and clarification of the following aspects:

• Scope of use;
• Maximum permitted levels;
• Conditions of use for specific food categories.

Details of the amendments:

1. Zinc gluconate

2. Sulfites

Including: sodium sulfite, sodium hydrosulfite, sulfur dioxide, potassium pyrosulfite, sodium pyrosulfite

Addition of permitted food category for the use of sulfites: Non-alcoholic beverages, limited exclusively to products that:

• Are produced by removing alcohol from wine, and
• Contain added grape juice.

The maximum residue level (MRL) for sulfites is set at 0.35 g/kg.

This limit applies to the total combined amount of all permitted sulfites, calculated as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), including:

• Sodium sulfite;
• Sodium hydrosulfite;
• Sulfur dioxide;
• Potassium pyrosulfite;
• Sodium pyrosulfite.

This notification enters into force immediately from the date of issuance.

For more details, see the link: https://www.caa.go.jp/policies/policy/standards_evaluation/food_additives/assets/standards_cms102_260407_01.pdf

EU

Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/751 as regards maximum residue levels Flupyradifurone and Potassium phosphonate in or on certain products

On 31 March 2026, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/751, correcting technical errors in Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 concerning the maximum residue levels (MRLs) of flupyradifurone and potassium phosphonate in or on certain food products.

This Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 01 April 2026.

Details of the amendments:

1. Flupyradifurone

• The MRLs for flupyradifurone in pineapple and sunflower seeds were established under Regulation (EU) 2025/581, applicable from 17 April 2025.
• However, those MRLs were unintentionally superseded by the levels set out in Regulation (EU) 2024/2640, although that Regulation was adopted earlier but applies from a later date (30 April 2025).
• This situation resulted from an administrative error in the sequence of dates of application of the two Regulations.

Therefore, Regulation (EU) 2026/751 was adopted to correct this error and ensure that the MRLs are applied in accordance with the EU’s original regulatory intent.

2. Potassium phosphonate

Regulation (EU) 2025/581 also amended the MRLs for potassium phosphonate in several agricultural products, including:

This Regulation enters into force on 21 April 2026.

For more details, please see the attached link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2026/751/oj/eng

Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/215 as regards maximum residue levels Acetamiprid, Aclonifen, Deltamethrin, Oxathiapiprolin and Potassium phosphonates in or on certain products

Viet Nam

Government Issues Resolution No. 15/2026/NQ-CP: Continued Application of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP in Food Safety Management

In early 2026, the issuance of Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution No. 66.13/2026/NQ-CP, intended to provide guidance on the enforcement of the Law on Food Safety, gave rise to numerous practical difficulties. These issues mainly related to procedures for product declaration, product registration, and customs clearance for food products, creating significant pressure on both businesses and state management authorities.

Following the issuance of Resolution No. 09/2026/NQ-CP, which temporarily suspended the effectiveness of Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution No. 66.13/2026/NQ-CP until 15 April 2026 to allow organizations and enterprises time for preparation, on 20 March 2026, the Government Office further issued Notice No. 141/TB-VPCP addressing existing difficulties and shortcomings and indicating the intention to continue suspending the effectiveness of these two regulations.

In light of this situation, on 06 April 2026, the Government decided to issue Resolution No. 15/2026/NQ-CP, suspending the implementation of Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution No. 66.13/2026/NQ-CP, while simultaneously continuing the application of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP on food safety until new replacement legal regulations are promulgated.

Main contents of Resolution No. 15/2026/NQ-CP

1. Suspension of the effectiveness of certain legal normative documents

• Pursuant to Article 1 of the Resolution, the Government decides to temporarily suspend the application of:

• Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP dated 26 January 2026;
• Resolution No. 66.13/2026/NQ-CP dated 27 January 2026.

• This suspension shall remain in effect until the amended Law on Food Safety and its implementing decrees officially enter into force.

2. Continued application of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP

• During the suspension period of the new regulations, Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP and its relevant guiding documents shall continue to be applied in order to ensure that food safety management activities are not disrupted.
• For product declaration and product registration dossiers submitted prior to 06 April 2026, the handling and processing of such dossiers shall continue to be carried out in accordance with Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP.

3. Responsibilities of ministries and authorities

The Resolution assigns specific responsibilities to:

• The Ministries of Health; Industry and Trade; Agriculture and Environment;
• -Provincial- and municipal-level People’s Committees;
• Relevant agencies in terms of coordination in the organization and implementation of the Resolution.

It can be seen that Resolution No. 15/2026/NQ-CP is an important legal document in state management of food safety in 2026, contributing to the maintenance of legal stability and creating a foundation for the completion of the amended Law on Food Safety in the coming period.

See attached file for details.

Issuance of Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BKHCN on Declaration of Conformity and Assessment Methods

On April 9, 026, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of Vietnam issued Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BKHCN, providing regulations on declaration of conformity with standards, declaration of conformity with technical regulations, and methods for conformity assessment with standards and technical regulations.

This Circular is developed based on the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations, the Law on Product and Goods Quality, and their implementing decrees, and is aligned with international practices on conformity assessment.

This Circular applies to organizations, individuals, and competent authorities involved in conformity assessment activities, declaration of conformity with standards, and declaration of conformity with technical regulations.

Key contents include:

1. Declaration of Conformity with Standards

1.1. Principles

• Objects subject to declaration of conformity with standards include products, goods, services, processes, environments, or other objects specified in the relevant standards.
• Declaration of conformity with standards is a voluntary activity.
• Such declaration is based on:
• Results of conformity certification issued by a registered or accredited certification body; or
• Results of self-assessment of conformity conducted by the organization or individual.

1.2. Procedure for Declaration of Conformity with Standards

• Preparing a declaration of conformity with standards in accordance with the prescribed form;
• Submitting the declaration via the National Database on Standards, Metrology and Quality, or submitting directly/online where the system is not available;
• Retaining documentation and maintaining conformity throughout the production and business process.

1.3 Responsibilities after Declaration

• Continuously maintaining conformity of the declared objects;
• Proactively conducting quality control, testing, and periodic surveillance;
• Re-declaring conformity upon any change to the applicable standard, product, or declared content.

2. Declaration of Conformity with Technical Regulations

2.1. Principles

• Unlike declaration of conformity with standards, declaration of conformity with technical regulations is mandatory for products, goods, services, and processes regulated by national or local technical regulations.
• Depending on the risk level of the product, the declaration of conformity may be based on:
• Results of conformity certification issued by a designated certification body;
• Results of conformity certification issued by an accredited certification body;
• Results of self-assessment conducted by the organization or individual based on testing results from an accredited or designated testing body.

 2.2. Procedure for Declaration of Conformity with Technical Regulations

• Organizations or individuals prepare and sign the declaration dossier in accordance with the prescribed form, clearly identifying and listing all mandatory applicable technical regulations and assuming responsibility for the declared content;
• Organizations or individuals register the declaration of conformity via the National Database on Standards, Metrology and Quality and obtain a confirmation code for completed registration.

2.3. Responsibilities after Declaration

• Publicly disclose information on the declaration of conformity to ensure accessibility for users;
• Maintain conformity of products and goods declared;
• Conduct quality control, testing, and periodic surveillance;
• Properly use the conformity mark (CR) in accordance with regulations prior to placing products on the market;
• Establish and retain declaration dossiers for inspection and examination purposes;
• Provide documentation evidencing conformity upon request by competent authorities;
• Re-declare conformity in the event of changes to applicable technical regulations, declaration content, or products.

3. Implementation and Transitional Provisions

• The Circular takes effect from May 25, 2026.
• The following Circulars and provisions are repealed:

• • Circular No. 28/2012/TT- BKHCN;
  • Circular No. 02/2017/TT- BKHCN;
  • Clause 8, Article 3 and Clause 4, Article 19 of Circular No. 06/2020/TT- BKHCN ;
  • Articles 15 and 30 of Circular No. 07/2024/TT- BKHCN;
  • Circular No. 04/2025/TT-BKHCN.

• Certificates of conformity and conformity marks issued before the effective date of this Circular remain valid until their expiry.
• Re-notification or re-registration of declarations of conformity completed before the effective date is not required.

For further details, please refer to the attached Circular.

Ministry of Science and Technology Issues Circular No. 13/2026/TT-BKHCN on Detailed Regulations on the Formulation and Application of Standards

On 9 April 2026, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Viet Nam issued Circular No. 13/2026/TT-BKHCN, which provides detailed regulations on the formulation and application of standards, with the aim of standardizing procedures, improving the quality of the national standards system, and enhancing harmonization with international standards.

The Circular is issued pursuant to the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations and plays an important role in state management as well as production and business activities in Viet Nam.

Circular No. 13/2026/TT-BKHCN provides detailed regulations on all stages related to standards, including:

• Formulation and approval of plans for developing National Standards (TCVN);
• Development, appraisal, promulgation, publication, and dissemination of TCVN;
• Application of TCVN, international standards, regional standards, and foreign standards;
• Development and promulgation of In-house Standards (TCCS).

The Circular applies to state agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in or related to the formulation and application of standards in Viet Nam.

I. Planning, Development, Appraisal, Promulgation, Publication, and Dissemination of National Standards

1. Planning for the Development of TCVN

• Regulates the formulation of five-year plans and annual plans for developing TCVN.
• Plan contents include: fields, target objects, types of standards, quantity, implementation timeline, and justification.
• Clearly stipulates procedures for preparation, consultation, approval, adjustment, supplementation, and notification of plans.
• Approved plans are made public on the National Database on Standards, Metrology, and Quality.
• The National Standards, Metrology and Quality Committee acts as the focal point to consolidate, monitor, and report on plan implementation.

2. Development of National Standards

• TCVN are developed in accordance with approved plans or upon proposals by organizations or individuals.
• Ministries and ministerial-level agencies establish drafting committees, with the participation of experts, scientists, and relevant stakeholders.
• The development process must consider international, regional, and foreign standards, as well as practical experience.
• Draft TCVN must be publicly consulted for at least 60 days, and the collection and explanation of comments must be disclosed.

3. Appraisal of Draft TCVN

• Draft TCVN dossiers are reviewed by an Appraisal Council.
• The Council includes representatives of management agencies, science and technology organizations, economic organizations, and independent experts.
• Appraisal focuses on necessity, scientific basis, feasibility, and degree of harmonization with international standards.
• Where revisions are required, the drafting body must finalize the dossier in accordance with appraisal conclusions.

4. Promulgation of National Standards

• Upon successful appraisal, the Minister of Science and Technology considers and decides on the promulgation of TCVN.
• Promulgated TCVN become officially effective in accordance with regulations.

5. Publication and Dissemination of TCVN

• Promulgated TCVN are published and disseminated in a unified manner.
• TCVN are made available on the National Database and distributed through appropriate channels to support state management, production, business activities, and standards integration.

II. Guidance on the Application of Standards in Viet Nam

• The application of standards is voluntary, except where standards are referenced in legal normative documents or technical regulations.
• TCVN, international standards, regional standards, and foreign standards may be applied in management, production, business, services, and socio-economic activities.
• The application of international, regional, and foreign standards is encouraged to:

• • Improve quality and productivity;
  • Promote integration and mutual recognition;
  • Reduce technical barriers to trade.

• Organizations and individuals bear full responsibility for selecting and applying standards and for the conformity of products, processes, and services with the applied standards.
• The application of standards must comply with Vietnamese law.

III. Development and Promulgation of In-house Standards (TCCS)

1. Methods for Developing TCCS

• In-house standards may be developed through one of the following methods:
• Adoption of TCVN, international standards, regional standards, or foreign standards as TCCS;

Independent development of TCCS based on scientific and technological research results, testing, evaluation, analysis, experimentation, and practical experience.

2. Procedures for Development and Promulgation of TCCS

• The development and promulgation of TCCS are conducted by the organization, in accordance with its scale and type of operation.
• The main steps include:

• • Drafting the TCCS, with possible participation of relevant agencies, organizations, individuals, or National Technical Committees;
  • Collecting comments on the draft where necessary;
  • Synthesizing and addressing feedback to finalize the draft;
  • Reviewing the draft to ensure compliance with legal principles.

• TCCS used for certification purposes are subject to specific regulations.

The head of the organization decides on the promulgation of TCCS in writing, and the dossier is retained by the organization.

• The promulgation of TCCS must be notified on the National Database within 20 days of issuance.

3. Revision, Amendment, Replacement, and Abolition of TCCS

• TCCS may be revised, amended, replaced, or abolished based on review results or proposals from organizations or individuals.
• Revisions, amendments, and replacements follow the same procedure as new development.
• Abolition of TCCS requires consultation and a written decision by the head of the organization.

4. Coding, Formatting, and Content Requirements of TCCS

• TCCS codes consist of: serial number:year of issuance/abbreviated name of the issuing organization.
• TCCS content includes main sections such as: introductory information, core content (general and technical), and supplementary information; formatting may refer to TCVN 1-2:2025.
• TCCS must clearly specify the scope of application and be presented clearly, accurately, and unambiguously.
• Technical requirements and test methods must be specific and assessable using available facilities.
• TCCS may be issued individually or as a collection, with page numbering and a cover.

5. TCCS of Associations and Societies for Certification Purposes

Associations and societies developing TCCS for certification purposes must:

• Establish an independent and transparent drafting committee, free from conflicts of interest;
• Encourage the participation of the committee leader and secretary in standardization training;
• Seek opinions from line ministries and the National Standards Body;
• Ensure the dossier is appraised and includes core requirements and clear assessment methods;
• Obtain comments from the National Standards Body based on TCVN ISO/IEC 17007:2011.

IV. Implementation Provisions

• The Circular takes effect 45 days from the date of signing (i.e. 25 October 2026).
• Circular No. 11/2021/TT-BKHCN ceases to be effective as of the effective date of this Circular.
• TCVN projects approved and appraised but not yet promulgated shall continue to be implemented in accordance with Circular No. 11/2021/TT-BKHCN.
• TCCS promulgated prior to the effective date must complete notification on the National Database by 31 December 2026.

For further details, please refer to the attached Circular No. 13/2026/TT-BKHCN.

China

Public Consultation on Draft National Food Safety Standards for Pasteurized Milk and Sterilized Milk

Chinese authorities are currently soliciting public comments on two draft revisions of the National Food Safety Standards applicable to Pasteurized milk (巴氏杀菌乳) and Sterilized milk (灭菌乳). These draft standards are intended to replace GB 19645:2010 and GB 25190:2010, respectively, and reflect an ongoing effort to update technical requirements, labeling provisions, and quality management measures in line with current production practices and consumer expectations.

I. Draft Standard for Pasteurized Milk (巴氏杀菌乳)

The draft GB 19645 – Pasteurized Milk has been comprehensively revised, with particular emphasis on the “fresh” nature of pasteurized products and strengthened microbiological control.

1. Definition

The revised draft introduces an updated definition of pasteurized milk, highlighting that:

• The pasteurization process is intended to inactivate or reduce pathogenic microorganisms to a safe level, while minimizing changes in chemical, physical, and sensory characteristics;
• A clear distinction is drawn between pasteurized milk and sterilized milk in terms of heat treatment intensity, product characteristics, and storage conditions.

2. Technical requirements

Compared with the current standard, several key technical parameters have been revised, as summarized below.

3. Other requirements

• Alkaline phosphatase testing is mandatory after pasteurization, with a required negative result to demonstrate the effectiveness of heat treatment;
• Product labeling must indicate “fresh milk” (鲜牛乳 / 鲜羊乳) and/or “pasteurized milk” (巴氏杀菌乳);
• The pasteurization temperature and holding time must be declared on the label;
• Descriptive statements on fat content (e.g., skimmed, partially skimmed, whole milk) are permitted.

II. Draft Standard for Sterilized Milk (灭菌乳)

The draft GB 25190 – Sterilized Milk introduces several notable changes compared with the 2010 version, focusing on terminology harmonization, alignment of technical requirements, and clarified labeling provisions.

1. Terminology and Product Categories

The draft clearly distinguishes between two types of sterilized milk:

• UHT sterilized milk (超高温灭菌乳): milk heated to at least 132°C for a few seconds under continuous flow conditions, followed by aseptic filling;
• In-container sterilized milk (保持灭菌乳): milk sterilized after filling and sealing in the final package.

2. Technical Requirements

Several parameters have been adjusted, largely in line with those for pasteurized milk:

3. Other requirements

• Only products manufactured exclusively from raw fresh milk may be labeled as “pure milk” (纯乳 / 纯奶);
• Additional fat-content descriptions (skimmed, partially skimmed, whole milk) are permitted on the product name.

The deadline for submitting comments on both draft standards is 6 June 2026:

• Pasteurized milk (GB 19645): https://sppt.cfsa.net.cn:8086/cfsa_aiguo?task=a_do&standard_guid=3E4C8053-A050-452F-B949-963D55F5D08E&pici=445568C2-9CAB-E1F5-D519-F182C9DE615E&net_rand=0cf8c181-d149-3729-6b85-8de2878992cc

• Sterilized milk (GB 25190): https://sppt.cfsa.net.cn:8086/cfsa_aiguo?task=a_do&standard_guid=F0EC981F-B737-4115-9921-A877CB7A9919&pici=BBB5C564-3331-67D2-19B1-5D9DCAD6CA9F&net_rand=064beec6-9bd8-e711-a6d8-8c2a54462432

Taiwan

Amendment to the Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods

On 21 April 2026, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) officially issued an amendment to the “Standards for Pesticide Residue Limits” under Article 3, Appendix 1, pursuant to document No. 1151300817. This amendment came into effect on the date of promulgation.
The amendment concerns changes to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food crops, as detailed below:

• MRLs in crops amended and revised for the following substances: Abamectin, Afidopyropen, Bifenthrin, Buprofezin, Cartap, Chlorantraniliprole, Chlorfenapyr, Chlorfluazuron, Cyantraniliprole, Cyenopyrafen, Cyhalothrin, Cyromazine, Deltamethrin, Dinotefuran, Dithianon, Emamectin benzoate, Famoxadone, Fenitrothion, Fenpropathrin, Fenvalerate, Flucythrinate, Flutolanil, Fosetyl-Al, Imazalil, Imidacloprid, Ipflufenoquin, Isocycloseram, Kresoxim-methyl, Malathion, Pencycuron, Phosmet, Profenofos, Pydiflumetofen, Pyriofenone, Sulfoxaflor, Tebufenozide và Tetraniliprole.
• New MRLs established for the following substances: MRL thêm mới: Florylpicoxamid, Mandestrobin.
• MRLs deleted: Tolylfluanid.

For example for detail the change in the table below:

For detailed information, please see the attached link: https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/newsContent.aspx?cid=3&id=31518