On March 16, 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in South Korea announced and enforced a revised regulation updating standards and specifications for food products. The update focuses on maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides, expanded frozen storage allowances, and enhanced testing methods, impacting companies involved in food production, import, and quality control.
Details of the Update
The revised regulation introduces new and updated pesticide residue limits, expands the scope of foods permitted for frozen storage, and enhances testing protocols for quality assurance, including methods for genetically modified (GM) food products. These changes are effective immediately and apply to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and laboratories handling agricultural, processed, and genetically modified foods.
The MFDS has expanded the list of foods permitted for frozen storage, now including dried agricultural products used as freezing aids, broadening storage and processing flexibility for industry stakeholders.
The regulation establishes new and revised maximum residue limits (MRLs) for 113 pesticide substances across agricultural and livestock products, significantly updating compliance thresholds for food safety.
Updated testing protocols now specify extraction weights and dilution factors for carbon monoxide analysis, strengthening the consistency and reliability of laboratory testing.
Additionally, the MFDS introduces new test methods for specific genetically modified food varieties, including DAS-01131-3, DP-910521-2, and NS-B50027-4, ensuring more precise analytical standards for GM food assessment.
Effective Timeline
The revised MFDS standards and specifications for food products are effective as of March 16, 2026.
Why It Matters
This update improves regulatory clarity by defining revised pesticide limits and testing standards, supports digital alignment through structured reference files, and enhances operational efficiency for compliance processes. By refining testing methodologies and expanding storage permissions, the regulation aims to maintain high food safety standards while minimizing unnecessary regulatory burden.
Who This Affects
This update is relevant for food manufacturers, importers, exporters, quality assurance teams, R&D departments, and regulatory compliance functions involved in food products intended for the South Korean market.
Next Steps
Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance teams should review the updated Excel-based reference file to identify applicable changes to their product portfolios. Organizations are advised to coordinate with supply chain partners to ensure continued compliance with the revised MRLs and testing standards, and to mitigate risks such as import delays, product recalls, or enforcement actions.
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FAQs
What did the MFDS update on March 16, 2026?
The MFDS updated food product standards and specifications, including pesticide residue limits, frozen storage permissions, and testing methods.
How many pesticide substances are affected by the new limits?
The regulation introduces new and revised maximum residue limits for 113 pesticide substances across agricultural and livestock products.
What changes were made to testing methods?
The update includes revised protocols for carbon monoxide analysis and new test methods for specific genetically modified food varieties such as DAS-01131-3, DP-910521-2, and NS-B50027-4.
How can RegASK help companies comply with influencer marketing regulations?
RegASK helps organizations monitor regulatory updates, interpret changes such as revised MRLs, and streamline compliance workflows, enabling faster adaptation to evolving food safety requirements in South Korea and beyond.
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