Food safety and hygiene newsletter Nov. 2025

On November 4, 2025, in order to ensure consistent and effective implementation of the Decree, the Vietnam Food Safety Authority (under the Ministry of Health) issued a guidance document to the Departments of Health, Food Safety Departments, and Food Safety Management Boards of centrally governed provinces and cities. The document outlines the implementation of Decree No. 148/2025/NĐ-CP on decentralization and delegation in the health sector, with the following key contents:

1. Guidance on procedures for issuing Health Certificates (HC)  for exported food products: Official Dispatch No. 5386/BYT-ATTP dated August 14, 2025 and Official Dispatch No. 1941/ATTP-PCTTR dated September 30, 2025

• The issuance of health certificates is carried out in accordance with Article 42 of the Law on Food Safety.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is not authorized to issue health certificates; this authority is delegated to the heads of specialized health agencies under provincial-level People’s Committees, or to agencies assigned by the provincial-level People’s Committees.
• The dossier and procedures for issuing Health Certificates (HC)  are specified in Section 12, Appendix V of Decree No. 148/2025/NĐ-CP.

2. Guidance on decentralizing the procedure for designating food testing laboratories for state management purposes: Official Dispatch No. 7201/BYT-ATTP and No. 7208/BYT-ATTP dated October 20, 2025

• The Ministry of Health is not assigned to issue a Circular guiding administrative procedures for the designation of food testing laboratories.
• The authority to designate laboratories is delegated to the heads of specialized health agencies under provincial-level People’s Committees, or to agencies assigned by the provincial-level People’s Committees.
• Four institutes under the Ministry of Health (National Institute for Food Control, National Institute of Nutrition, The Institute of Public Health in Ho Chi Minh City and Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang ) are requested to provide personnel to support evaluation teams for laboratory designation at the local level upon request.

3. Guidance on state inspection of imported food products: Official Dispatch No. 6329/BYT-ATTP dated October 24, 2018 and Official Dispatch No. 6307/BYT-ATTP dated September 17, 2025

• For imported food products not listed in the catalog of goods subject to state inspection for food safety under Points a and b, Clause 3, Article 3 of Circular No. 15/2024/TT-BYT, the sectoral management ministry will issue specific guidance documents.
• Regarding inspection of imported raw materials for processing and export production, the Ministry of Health has provided guidance in:
  • Official Dispatch No. 8121/BYT-ATTP dated December 21, 2023
  • Official Dispatch No. 6329/BYT-ATTP dated October 24, 2018
  • Official Dispatch No. 1012/ATTP-SP dated May 14, 2025
• For imported food products containing Tadalafil, a substance prohibited in health supplements, the use of such raw materials is strictly forbidden if they are not classified as food-grade.

See attached link for details: https://vfa.gov.vn/tin-tuc/cuc-an-toan-thuc-pham-huong-dan-thuc-hien-nghi-dinh-so-1482025nd-cp-ve-phan-quyen-phan-cap-trong-linh-vuc-y-te.html

Taiwan

Significant Changes in Food Safety Control Regulations in Taiwan

On October 8, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Taiwan announced amendments to the regulation on the Obligation to Establish Food Safety Monitoring Plans, inspection requirements for food businesses, minimum inspection cycles, and related matters. The expansion of the scope to include smaller-scale businesses and items such as shell eggs and peanuts, along with stricter inspection requirements for non-compliant products, reflects a strong commitment to protecting consumer health. Additionally, the reorganization of regulations into two annexes facilitates easier access to information for businesses, thereby enhancing compliance efficiency. The phased implementation roadmap (2026 - 2028) also allows small businesses time to prepare the necessary resources and processes to meet the new requirements.

1. Key Changes

1.1. Expansion of Scope for Businesses Required to Establish Food Safety Monitoring Plans (Annex 1)

The amended regulation expands the scope of food businesses required to establish food safety monitoring plans, including:

Manufacturing, Processing, and Preparation Businesses:

• Smaller-scale businesses:
  • From January 1, 2026: Food factories with capital between NTD 20 million and under NTD 30 million and employing 5 or more staff must establish monitoring plans.
  • From January 1, 2027: Factories with capital between NTD 10 million and under NTD 20 million, with 5 or more staff.
  • From January 1, 2028: Factories with capital under NTD 10 million, with 5 or more staff.
• Businesses registered only for trade or preliminary agricultural processing: Businesses registered for trade, company, tax, or licensed for preliminary agricultural processing with capital of NTD 30 million or more must establish monitoring plans from January 1, 2026.
• Businesses licensed for inspection and registration of special nutritional foods are still required to comply with this regulation.

Import Businesses:

• Newly added items required to establish monitoring plans from January 1, 2026:
  • Shell eggs: Imports of 10 tons or more within 3 months or in a single shipment.
  • Peanuts and peanut products: Imports of 15 tons or more within 3 months or in a single shipment.
  • Non-compliant products: Products under the same commodity classification code found to be non-compliant with food safety standards in border inspections 2 or more times within one year.
• Existing items such as edible oils, food additives, soybeans, corn, wheat, tea, salt, starch, sugar, soy sauce, meat products, dairy, aquatic products, baby food, and bee products continue to require monitoring plans with specific import thresholds (see details in Annex 1).

General Retail Businesses:

Retail chains not classified as department stores, with 3 or more outlets and capital of NTD 30 million or more, are still required to establish monitoring plans.

Note: Monitoring plans must be implemented from the start year of application until December 31 of the following year.

1.2. Expansion of Food Safety Inspection Requirements (Annex 2)

The amended regulation also expands the scope of businesses required to conduct food safety inspections, with specific inspection items and frequencies:

Manufacturing, Processing, and Preparation Businesses:

• Non-compliant businesses: From January 1, 2026, businesses whose products are found non-compliant by health authorities 2 or more times within one year must inspect the non-compliant items quarterly or per batch for 12 months from the date of the second penalty notice.
• Inspection items include: Pesticides, veterinary drugs, food additives, microorganisms, heavy metals, mycotoxins, contaminants, radiation, or other hazardous substances.
• Businesses producing edible oils, processed meat, processed dairy, processed aquatic products, food additives, and special nutritional foods must continue periodic inspections (quarterly or per batch) for specific items such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, or microorganisms.

Import Businesses:

• From January 1, 2026, importers of shell eggs, peanuts and peanut products, or products found non-compliant 2 or more times in border inspections must conduct periodic inspections of the non-compliant items (quarterly or per batch) for 12 months from the second non-compliance announcement on the Taiwan FDA website.
• Items such as edible oils, food additives, soybeans, corn, wheat, tea, salt, starch, sugar, soy sauce, meat products, dairy, aquatic products, baby food, and bee products must continue inspections for items such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, or pesticides according to the prescribed frequency.

General Retail Businesses:

• Retail chains not classified as department stores, with 3 or more outlets and capital of NTD 30 million, must inspect:
  • Kimchi, pickled radish, and jam: Inspect food additives or other safety items every 6 months or per batch.
  • Fresh food, on-site processed food, and pre-cut fresh vegetables: Inspect microorganisms every 6 months or per batch.
  • Frozen fruits: Inspect microorganisms or other safety items every 6 months or per batch.

Notes:

• Inspections must be conducted using methods specified by the central regulatory authority or internationally accepted methods, with samples taken within Taiwan’s territory.
• Inspection results must be retained for at least 5 years.

2. Requirements for Food Safety Monitoring Plans

Businesses must establish food safety monitoring plans with the following content:

• For manufacturing, processing, and preparation businesses:
  • Analysis of production processes and risks.
  • Standard operating procedures related to production.
  • Internal inspection and supplier management.
  • Staff training.
• For import businesses:
  • Analysis of import processes and risks.
  • Standard operating procedures related to import.
  • Supplier management.
  • Staff training.

• The plan must reflect actual operations, and the original document must be retained for at least 5 years after revision.

Source: Announcement by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Taiwan, October 8, 2025.

Link: https://www.fda.gov.tw/tc/newsContent.aspx?cid=3&id=31232

EU

Update on Food Additive Regulation: Quillaia Extract (E 999)

On 20 October 2025, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2025/2084 of 17 October 2025, amending Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 on their specifications. The new regulation allows the extended use of quillaia extract (E 999) as an emulsifier in flavourings and food supplements, and adjusts its specifications to ensure safety and consistency, based on scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Quillaia extract is obtained from the bark of Quillaia saponaria Molina or other Quillaia species of the Rosaceae family, through a process involving water extraction, clarification, filtration, ultrafiltration, concentration, and sterilization. The product contains triterpenoid saponins (glycosides of quillaic acid), polyphenols, carbohydrates (notably polysaccharides and reducing sugars), and a small amount of protein.

E 999 supports emulsification, emulsion stabilization, and flavour retention in spray-dried flavourings; it improves water/lipid solubility in food supplements, enabling diluted powder forms, gummies, ready-to-drink beverages, or liquid shots, as alternatives to conventional tablets/jellies.

1. Amendment to Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008:

2. Specification Updates (Annex to Regulation (EU) No 231/2012)

The new regulation on food additive E 999 – Quillaia Extract – introduces significant changes compared to the original version in Regulation (EU) No 231/2012. These changes reflect the EU’s trend toward enhanced quality control and food safety. Key updates include:

3. Transitional Provisions

• The new specifications shall apply from 9 May 2026.
• Quillaia extract (E 999) lawfully placed on the market before 9 May 2026 may continue to be used in food in accordance with Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 until stocks are exhausted.
• Foods containing this additive may continue to be marketed until their date of minimum durability or use-by date as indicated on the label.

Link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202502084

Japan

Draft Amendment to Food Safety Standards – Update on Pesticide Residue Limits and Exempted Substances

1. Overview

On October 30, 2025, the Food Sanitation Standards Division of the Consumer Affairs Agency (消費者庁) announced a draft amendment to the standards for food, food additives, and the list of substances exempted from residue limits under Article 13 of the Food Sanitation Act.

• Objectives:
  • Ensure consumer health and safety.
  • Align with international standards and domestic usage practices.
  • Update based on scientific risk assessments by the Food Safety Commission of Japan.
• Public Comment Period: Until November 28, 2025
• Expected Enforcement: February 2026
• Effective Dates:
  • Relaxed limits: Effective immediately upon promulgation.
  • Tightened limits: Effective one year after promulgation.

2. Details of the Proposed Amendments

2.1 Addition of Exempted Substance

The draft adds Acetylcysteine to the group of substances explicitly recognized as non-harmful to human health under Article 13 of the Food Sanitation Act. This means foods containing Acetylcysteine will no longer be subject to the default Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 0.01 ppm.

2.2 Adjustment of Residue Limits for Six Active Ingredients

The draft revises MRLs for six active substances used in pesticides and veterinary drugs: Isotianil, Clofentezine, Cyclopyranil, Thiobencarb, Validamycin, Broflanilide.

Note: Foods without specific provisions will apply the general limit of 0.01 ppm. For Validamycin, foods not listed must not contain this substance.

In addition to revising maximum residue limits, the draft also clarifies and details definitions within the standards to ensure transparency and consistency, enabling precise determination of the scope for each food category.

Link: https://public-comment.e-gov.go.jp/pcm/detail?CLASSNAME=PCMMSTDETAIL&Mode=0&id=235110026

US

EPA Establishes and Revises Pesticide Residue Tolerances for Isocycloseram and Glufosinate

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).
• Additionally, EPA made several changes compared to Syngenta’s original petition (PP 1F8934):
  • 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

Indonesia

BPOM Issues Circular on the Use of the Term “Milk” for Dairy and Plant-Based Products on November 24, 2025

November 24, 2025 – Jakarta – The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has issued Circular No. 7/2025 to clarify the use of the term “Susu” (Milk) on processed food labels, particularly for dairy products and plant-based products. This Circular takes effect from the date of issuance.

Key Points:

1. Definition

• Only products that clearly contain animal milk (from cows, buffaloes, horses, goats, sheep, and other milk-producing livestock) are allowed to use the term “Milk.”
• In addition, the term “Milk” may also be used for coconut milk products and soy-based beverages. For soy-based products, the following categories are included:
  • Soy/Soybean Milk or Soybean-based beverage (Sari Kedelai)
  • Fermented Soy/Soybean Milk (Sari Kedelai Fermentasi)
  • Soy/Soybean Milk Powder Beverage (Serbuk Minuman Kedelai)
  • Soy/Soybean Milk Concentrate (Konsentrat Sari Kedelai)
  • Soy/Soybean Milk Drink (Minuman Sari Kedelai)
• This means that, according to BPOM, the term “Milk” cannot be used for beverages containing plant-based ingredients such as:
  • Grains
  • Nuts (except soybeans)
  • Cereals and Other legumes
  • Products derived from other animal sources

2. Quality Requirements for Coconut Milk and Soy-Based Beverages

• Coconut milk and soy drinks must meet the definition and basic characteristic requirements in accordance with the Regulation of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency Number 13 of 2023 concerning Food Categories and the Decree of the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency Number 70 of 2025 concerning Changes to Food Categories and Changes to Raw Materials Derived from Plants or Animals.
• Soy-based products using the term “Milk” may use raw materials in the form of soybeans, soy extract, or soy protein products.

3. Labeling Requirements

• The term “Milk” must appear on the processed food label close to the product name in Indonesian.

Example: Minuman Sari Kedelai (Soy Milk)

• The term “Milk” must be printed in a font size consistent with the Indonesian product name and must not be overly emphasized, such as bold, larger font size, different color, and/or separated from the product name.

4. Transitional Provisions

• For newly registered products: must comply with this Circular.
• For existing products: must be adjusted according to the provisions of this Circular.
• Deadline for adjustment: no later than 18 months from the effective date of this Circular.

Details available at: https://registrasipangan.pom.go.id/berita/surat-edaran-nomor-7-tahun-2025-tentang-ketentuan-penggunaan-istilah-milk