Food safety and hygiene newsletter October 2026

In 2026, Vietnam's food labelling regulatory framework continues to evolve through a series of new legal instruments, including Decree No. 37/2026/ND-CP on goods labelling and Circular No. 30/2026/TT-BYT providing guidance on the content and presentation of nutrient declarations and nutrition information on food labels. This development highlights the increasing emphasis on the accuracy and transparency of information declared on food labels, particularly nutrition information.

The Draft TCVN 2026, "Food – Guideline for tolerance levels of nutritional components in food labelling", has been developed to establish a consistent technical basis for assessing the compliance of declared nutrient values against analytical test results.

1. Scope of Application

The nutrient values declared on food labels may not always exactly match analytical test results due to various factors, such as raw material variability, manufacturing conditions, storage conditions, the natural degradation of certain vitamins, or analytical measurement uncertainty. Therefore, establishing tolerance limits provides regulatory authorities and businesses with a common basis for evaluating whether a product complies with the nutritional information declared on its label.

The Draft TCVN 2026 provides guidance on tolerance limits applicable to nutrients declared on food labels, including energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, total sugars, dietary fibre, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Recommended Tolerance Limits for Nutrients in Prepackaged Foods

The recommended tolerance limits for energy and nutrients are presented in Table 1 below.

3. Guidance on Rounding Rules for Nutrient Values

One notable feature of the draft standard is the detailed guidance on rounding nutrient values for nutrition labelling, provided in Annex A. These include:Protein, fat, and carbohydrates at levels of 10 g or more should be rounded to the nearest whole number.Values greater than 0.5 g and less than 10 g should be rounded to one decimal place. Values equal to or below 0.5 g may be declared as "0 g" or "< 0.5 g".

For example: if a product declares a sugar content of 2.5 g/100 g, the declared value may correspond to an actual unrounded value ranging from 2.45 g/100 g to 2.54 g/100 g in accordance with the rounding principles in Annex A. This should be taken into consideration when assessing whether laboratory test results comply with the declared label value.

4. Recommended Analytical Methods for Nutrient Components

The draft standard also specifies recommended analytical methods for nutrient determination in Annex C.

Deadline for submission of comments: 01 October 2026. Further details are available at:  https://mst.gov.vn/van-ban-phap-luat/du-thao/2522.htm

US

EPA Adjusts Pesticide Residue Limits for Various Commodities

China

Draft New Regulation on Maximum Residue Limits for 142 Veterinary Drugs in Food

On 8 September 2026, China notified the WTO of a draft National Food Safety Standard on Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for 142 veterinary drugs in foods of animal origin through SPS notification G/SPS/N/CHN/1388. The draft standard aims to strengthen food safety controls and protect consumer health.

Currently, the management of veterinary drug residues in food in China is primarily governed by the following national standards:

• GB 31650-2019 – National Food Safety Standard: Maximum Residue Limits for Veterinary Drugs in Foods.
• GB 31650.1-2022 – National Food Safety Standard: Maximum Residue Limits for 41 Veterinary Drugs in Foods.

According to China, the draft standard references international standards developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), particularly those relating to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and Risk Management Recommendations (RMRs) for veterinary drugs in food. This approach is intended to promote harmonization between China's national regulations and international practices in the field of food safety.

The draft proposes MRL requirements for veterinary drug residues in foods of animal origin, including:

• Livestock: cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, donkeys, and goats;
• Poultry: chickens and turkeys;
• Aquatic animals: fish, shrimp, and crabs;
• Honey bees and bee products.

In addition to establishing maximum residue limits, the draft also proposes a list of nine prohibited substances in foods of animal origin, including:

1. Chlorpromazine
2. Diazepam
3. Dimetridazole
4. Estradiol benzoate
5. Metronidazole
6. Nandrolone phenylpropionate
7. Testosterone propionate
8. Xylazine
9. Xylazol

The deadline for submitting comments is 7 November 2026.

For further information, please refer to the following link: https://eping.wto.org/en/Search/Index?viewData=G/SPS/N/CHN/1388

Issues National Food Safety Standard GB 31688-2026 for Bovine Milk Protein

On September 22, 2026, the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China (NHC) published information regarding GB 31688-2026 – National Food Safety Standard for Bovine Milk Protein (食品安全国家标准 牛乳蛋白). The standard will officially come into effect on August 18, 2027.

The issuance of a dedicated standard for bovine milk protein provides a unified framework for quality and food safety management of bovine milk protein products used in the food industry in China, including concentrated milk protein and milk protein isolate (MPI).

The key requirements of the standard are as follows:

1. Raw Material Requirements

• GB 31688-2026 stipulates that raw bovine milk must comply with the requirements of GB 19301.

2. Sensory Requirements

The products must meet the following sensory requirements:

• Color: Milk white to milky yellow.
• Taste and odor: Characteristic taste and odor of the product, with no abnormal odor.
• Appearance/state:

• For liquid products: a uniform and consistent liquid.
• For powdered products: free from caking and foreign matter visible to the naked eye.

3. Physicochemical Requirements

4. Requirements for Contaminants and Mycotoxins

GB 31688-2026 does not establish a completely independent set of limits for contaminants and mycotoxins. Instead, it refers to the relevant existing Chinese national food safety standards. Specifically:

• Contaminant limits: Products must comply with the requirements applicable to “other dairy products” under GB 2762.
• Mycotoxin limits: Products must comply with the requirements applicable to “other dairy products” under GB 2761.

5. Microbiological Requirements

• For pathogenic microorganism limits, the products must comply with the requirements applicable to “other dairy products” under GB 29921.
• These requirements are particularly relevant to milk protein products, which are widely used as ingredients in various food applications.

6. Food Additive Requirements

• GB 31688-2026 stipulates that the use of food additives must comply with the requirements applicable to “other dairy products” under GB 2760.
• Accordingly, manufacturers and relevant businesses should ensure that any food additives used in the formulation or manufacturing process comply with the applicable requirements of GB 2760.

7. Labeling Requirements

• GB 31688-2026 specifies the required product names to be indicated on labels. The product must be labeled as: “浓缩牛乳蛋白(浓缩牛奶蛋白)” or “分离牛乳蛋白(分离牛奶蛋白)”
• In particular, for milk protein isolate manufactured using fluidized-bed drying technology, the drying technology must be specified on the product label.

For further details, please refer to the attached GB 31688-2026 regulation.

Issues National Food Safety Standard GB 22570-2026 on Nutritional Supplements for Infants, Young Children and Preschool Children

On September 22, 2026, the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China (NHC) published information regarding GB 22570-2026 – National Food Safety Standard for Complementary Food Nutritional Supplements and Preschool Children’s Nutritional Supplements (食品安全国家标准 辅食营养补充品和学龄前儿童营养补充品). The standard will officially come into effect on August 18, 2027.

GB 22570-2026 replaces GB 22570-2014 – National Food Safety Standard for Complementary Food Nutritional Supplements. Compared with the 2014 version, the new standard introduces several notable changes concerning the scope of application, standard title, terms and definitions, recommended daily serving size, raw materials, applicable age groups, nutrient levels, microbiological requirements, contaminants, mycotoxins, food additives, and testing methods.

Key Changes in GB 22570-2026 Compared with GB 22570-2014

1. Revision of the Standard Title

The title of the standard has been revised from: “食品安全国家标准 辅食营养补充品”

(National Food Safety Standard for Complementary Food Nutritional Supplements)

to: “食品安全国家标准 辅食营养补充品和学龄前儿童营养补充品” (National Food Safety Standard for Complementary Food Nutritional Supplements and Preschool Children’s Nutritional Supplements).

2.  Revision of the Scope, Terms and Definitions

The scope of application, terms, and definitions have been revised. Notably, the revised standard expands its scope to include nutritional supplements intended for preschool children aged 37–72 months.

3. Revision of Sensory Requirements

The descriptions of requirements relating to the color, taste and odor, and physical state of the products have been revised to reflect the product categories and forms covered by the new standard.

4.  Revision of Recommended Daily Serving Size Requirements

The requirements concerning the recommended daily serving size and method of consumption have been revised, with corresponding provisions for products intended for:

• Children aged 6–36 months
• Children aged 37–72 months

5.  Revision of Raw Material Requirements

• The raw material requirements have been updated, with clearer provisions concerning the safety of products intended for children and restrictions on certain raw materials.
• For example, the revised standard requires soybean-based raw materials to undergo appropriate processing to eliminate antinutritional factors, prohibits the use of hydrogenated oils/fats, and prohibits the use of irradiated raw materials.

6.  Adjustment of Applicable Age Groups for Nutrient Content per Daily Serving

The age groups corresponding to the nutrient content per daily serving have been revised to cover two groups:

• Children aged 6–36 months
• Children aged 37–72 months

7.  Adjustment of Minimum or Maximum Levels for Certain Nutrients

Certain minimum or maximum nutrient levels have been revised compared with GB 22570-2014 to better reflect the nutritional requirements applicable to the newly defined age groups.

8.  Addition of Maximum Levels for Certain Nutrients

The revised standard introduces maximum limits for certain nutrients, providing additional control over the amount of micronutrients supplied to children through these products.

9. Reference to General Standards for Contaminants, Mycotoxins and Pathogenic Microorganisms

Instead of establishing separate requirements, the revised standard refers to the applicable general Chinese food safety standards for: Contaminant limits, Mycotoxin limits, Pathogenic microorganism limits.

The relevant standards include GB 2762, GB 2761, and GB 29921, respectively.

10. Update of Testing Method Standard Numbers

The standard numbers for applicable testing methods have been updated to align with the current Chinese food safety standards and testing methodology.

For further details, please refer to the attached GB 22570-2026 standard.

Hong Kong

Proposed Amendments to the Sweeteners in Food Regulations (Cap.132U)

On 4 September 2026, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong Kong launched a three-month public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Sweeteners in Food Regulations (Cap.132U). The consultation period will run until 4 December 2026.

Sweeteners are a category of food additives used as sugar substitutes to provide sweetness in foods while reducing caloric intake or meeting specific consumer dietary needs. Similar to other food additives, sweeteners may only be used after undergoing rigorous safety evaluations and being confirmed as safe for consumption.

Under the current Hong Kong regulations, only sweeteners included in the approved list are permitted for use in foods placed on the market. The Hong Kong Government has conducted a comprehensive review of the regulation to update management requirements in line with international trends and strengthen public health protection.

In developing the proposed amendments, the Hong Kong Government referenced various data sources and international standards, including:

• Standards established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission
• Food standards of Mainland China
• Data on dietary habits and exposure levels of the Hong Kong population
• Regulatory practices adopted by Hong Kong's major food trading partners

The key proposed amendments include:

1. Inclusion of Polyols within the Regulatory Scope

Under the current regulation, polyols (sugar alcohols) are not included in the definition of "sweeteners" under Cap.132U. However, they are widely used in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products such as chewing gum, confectionery, nutritional foods, and beverages. The proposal would bring polyols within the scope of the regulation to align with international practices.

2. Expansion of the List of Permitted Sweeteners

One of the most notable changes is the increase in the total number of permitted sweeteners from 10 (namely: Acesulfame Potassium, Alitame, Aspartame, Aspartame-Acesulfame Salt, Cyclamic Acid and its sodium/potassium/calcium salts, Neotame, Saccharin and its sodium/potassium/calcium salts, Steviol Glycosides, Sucralose and Thaumatin) to 22. Hong Kong proposes adding 12 new sweeteners, including 10 polyols and 2 new high-intensity sweeteners, namely Advantame and Monk Fruit Extract.

• Erythritol (E968) - Erythritol
• Isomalt (E953) - Isomalt
• Lactitol (E966) - Lactitol
• Maltitol (E965(i)) - Maltitol
• Maltitol Syrup (E965(ii)) - Maltitol Syrup
• Mannitol (E421) - Mannitol
• Polyglycitol Syrup (E964) - Polyglycitol Syrup
• Sorbitol (E420(i)) - Sorbitol
• Sorbitol Syrup (E420(ii)) - Sorbitol Syrup
• Xylitol (E967) - Xylitol
• Advantame (INS 969)
• Monk Fruit Extract (Luo Han Guo Extract / Monk Fruit Extract, INS 970)

The inclusion of polyols such as erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol reflects the growing global demand for sugar-free and reduced-sugar products. Meanwhile, Advantame and Monk Fruit Extract will provide additional options for food manufacturers developing reduced-sugar products while maintaining sweetness characteristics.

3. Establishment of Maximum Permitted Levels by Food Category

Currently, Cap.132U only specifies the list of permitted sweeteners and does not set maximum permitted levels. Under the proposed amendments, Hong Kong will adopt the Codex Alimentarius food classification system and establish maximum use levels for each "sweetener-food category" combination.

According to the consultation document, the amended regulation will contain more than 900 different maximum permitted level combinations, largely based on Codex standards and partially on Mainland China standards. This approach will allow better control of consumer exposure to sweeteners.

4. Other Information

For the 12 newly added sweeteners (including the 10 polyols, Advantame and Monk Fruit Extract), Hong Kong proposes allowing their use in designated food categories under the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) principle. This would facilitate industry compliance while maintaining consumer safety.

The proposal also includes an 18-month transitional period after the amended regulation is officially enacted to help businesses adapt to the new requirements.

For further details, please refer to: https://www.cfs.gov.hk/sc_chi/whatsnew/whatsnew_fstr/whatsnew_fstr_Proposed_Amendments_Sweeteners_Food_Regulation.html

Consultation document: https://www.cfs.gov.hk/sc_chi/whatsnew/whatsnew_fstr/files/Cap132U_Consultation_Doc_C.pdf

Japan

Japan's Revised MRLs for Pesticides and Veterinary drug

On 10/09/2026 Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) released an amendment to the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for 5 subtances: Quinoclamine, Chlorpyrifos, Spirodiclofen, Spiropidion and Propamocarb 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:

Note: Where “–” is indicated in the MRL column, a uniform standard of 0.01 ppm shall apply.

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

• • Quinoclamine: Rice (brown rice) and other vegetables
  • Chlorpyrifos: Wheat, maize, other cereals, soybeans, adzuki beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sugar beets, sugarcane, roots of radishes (including radishes), leaves of radishes (including radishes), cauliflower, broccoli, onions, carrots, other umbelliferous vegetables, sweet peppers, other solanaceous vegetables, ginger, other vegetables, mandarin oranges (including the outer peel), whole fruits of natsumikan (Japanese summer orange), lemons, oranges (including navel oranges), grapefruits, limes, other citrus fruits, apples, Japanese pears, European pears, quinces, loquats (excluding the fruit stalk and including the peel and seeds), peaches (including the peel and seeds), nectarines, plums (including prunes), strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, bananas, other fruits, sesame seeds, cottonseed, other oilseeds, pecans, almonds, walnuts, tea, coffee beans, other spices, other herbs, cattle muscle, muscle of animals belonging to other terrestrial mammals, cattle fat, fat of animals belonging to other terrestrial mammals, seafood, mineral waters, and corn oil.
  • Spirodichlofen: Eggplants, cucumbers (including gherkins), mandarin oranges, mandarin oranges (including the outer peel), whole fruits of natsumikan (Japanese summer orange), lemons, oranges (including navel oranges), grapefruits, limes, other citrus fruits, apples, loquats, loquats (excluding the fruit stalk and including the peel and seeds), persimmons, other fruits, chestnuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, and other nuts.
  • Propamocarb: Rice (meaning brown rice), sugar beets, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, other brassica vegetables, lettuce (including leaf lettuce and celtuce), celery, watermelons, watermelons (including the rind), melons, melons (including the rind), makuwa melons (oriental melons), makuwa melons (including the rind), spinach, bamboo shoots, ginger, other vegetables, and strawberries.

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_260910_01.pdf

MFDS amends the health functional food labeling standards, revising the identification marks for Health Functional Food and GMP

On 15 September 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of the Republic of Korea issued MFDS Notice No. 2026-66 amending part of the Health Functional Food Labeling Standards.

The amendment focuses on revising the design of the Health Functional Food identification mark and the certification mark for facilities designated to apply Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for health functional foods. The objective is to enhance the distinction between health functional foods and ordinary foods, thereby reducing the risk of consumers confusing or misunderstanding the nature of the products.

1. Reason for the amendment

According to the MFDS, the previous Health Functional Food identification mark and the Good Health Functional Food Manufacturing Standards (GMP) mark had designs similar to the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) mark used for ordinary foods.

The visual similarity among these marks could cause consumers to confuse ordinary foods with health functional foods or incorrectly understand the status of a product.

Accordingly, the MFDS is revising the marks related to health functional foods and GMP in order to:

• Increase the distinctiveness and recognizability of the marks;
• Reduce the risk of consumers misunderstanding or confusing health functional foods with ordinary foods;
• Support consumers in accurately identifying the type of product and making appropriate choices.

2. Key amendments

Under the amendments to Item (a) of Paragraph 1 of Article 6 and Annex 2, the identification marks for health functional foods and facilities designated to apply GMP standards have been redesigned to maximize visual recognizability.

2.1. Changes to the Health Functional Food identification mark

• The identification mark must be clearly displayed on the principal display surface (주표시면) with a minimum size of 15 × 15 mm, or it may be replaced by the clearly displayed wording “건강기능식품” (Health Functional Food).
• Exceptions regarding color and size: For products with a small packaging surface area of 150 cm² or less, the size of the mark may be adjusted flexibly within a range that ensures actual readability and recognizability. In addition, where the color of the packaging background is identical or similar to the mark and consequently affects contrast, manufacturers are permitted to apply different color combinations to optimize legibility (가독성).

2.2. Changes to the GMP mark

• Annex 2 of the Health Functional Food Labeling Standards is replaced with new provisions specifying the GMP mark used to identify facilities designated to apply the Good Health Functional Food Manufacturing Standards (GMP).
• Similar to the Health Functional Food mark, the new provisions permit the color of the GMP mark to be changed where the packaging background color is similar to that of the mark and such change is necessary to ensure readability and recognizability.
• For packaging with a surface area of 150 cm² or less, the size of the GMP mark may also be adjusted within a range that ensures recognizability.
• The simultaneous revision of the two marks is intended to establish clearer distinctions among the marks associated with Health Functional Food, GMP, and HACCP, thereby reducing the risk of consumers incorrectly identifying the status or characteristics of a product.

3. Implementation schedule, legal effect and transitional measures

• Official effective date: This Notice officially enters into force on 1 January 2028.
• Scope of application: The new standards apply to all health functional food products manufactured, processed, or imported (including products that have already been unloaded for importation) on or after the effective date of the Notice. Products manufactured or imported before this date may voluntarily comply with the new standards if desired.
• Transitional provision: Food and health functional food products that were lawfully manufactured, processed, or imported in accordance with the previous requirements before the effective date of the Notice may continue to be circulated, distributed, displayed, transported, or used for business purposes until the expiration of their use-by date (소비기한).

Australia

Australia’s Newly Revised MRLs – Schedule 20, APVMA 4 (2026)

On 21 September 2026, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issued Instrument No. APVMA 4, 2026, amending Schedule 20 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code relating to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). This instrument takes effect upon publication in the Gazette (i.e., 23 September 2026).

MRLs in food commodities have been amended for the following active substances: Glufosinate, Clothianidin, Cinmethylin, Fludioxonil, Fluxapyroxad, Folpet, Isocycloseram, Pydiflumetofen, Pyraclostrobin, Spirotetramat, and Tetraniliprole.

The key changes introduced by this regulatory update include:

1. Update to the residue definition for Glufosinate

One of the notable changes introduced by Instrument No. APVMA 4, 2026 is the revision of the residue definition for Glufosinate.

Under the new provision, the residue definition has been expanded to cover the sum of glufosinate isomers, their salts, and the metabolites MPP (3-[hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]propionic acid) and NAG (N-acetyl-glufosinate), expressed as glufosinate.

Specifically, the previous residue definition: “Sum of glufosinate-ammonium, N-acetyl glufosinate and 3-[hydroxy(methyl)-phosphinoyl] propionic acid, expressed as glufosinate (free acid)” has been replaced by: “Sum of glufosinate isomers, their salts and metabolites 3-[hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]propionic acid (MPP) and N-acetyl-glufosinate (NAG), expressed as glufosinate”.

2. Amendments to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)

In addition to the revision of the residue definition, APVMA has amended or introduced MRLs for a range of active substances and food commodities. These changes include both increases and decreases to existing MRLs, as well as the establishment of new MRLs for active substance–commodity combinations that were not previously specified.

Key changes include:

Notably, some of the amendments represent substantial changes to the applicable MRLs. For example, the MRLs for Isocycloseram have been increased to 3, 5, and 0.7 mg/kg for bush berries, cane berries, and low growing berries, respectively. Meanwhile, the MRLs for Pyraclostrobin have been increased to 7 mg/kg for lettuce, head and 20 mg/kg for lettuce, leaf.

Conversely, certain MRLs have been reduced. For example, the MRL for Clothianidin in dry soya beans has been reduced from 0.02 to 0.01 mg/kg. The changes in both directions highlight the importance of assessing MRL requirements on a substance-by-substance and commodity-by-commodity basis, rather than applying a uniform approach across an entire product portfolio.

For further details, please refer to the attached link: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01264/latest/text