Consumer Health – USA/Europe/Asia/ROW Regulatory News – March 2024

USA

FSIS Guideline for Label Approval

This guideline is designed to help establishments determine whether their labels must be submitted to FSIS’ Labeling and Program Delivery Staff (LPDS) for approval. FSIS is updating the guidance to provide information about voluntary “Product of USA,” “Made in the USA,” or alternative claims that specify

EUROPE

Use Requirements for 13 Nanomaterials in Cosmetics

The European Commission published Regulation 2024/858, in the Official Journal of the European Union. This regulation amends Annexes II (prohibited substances) and III (restricted ingredients) of European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. According to this regulation, the EU is to ban the use of 12 nanomaterials, and restrict the use of Hydroxyapatite (nano) in cosmetics, applicable from February 2025.

AUSTRALIA

Changes to food standards code

FSANZ approved variations to the Food Standards Code arising from the following applications. FSANZ has notified the following approvals to the Food Ministers’ Meeting:  A1254 Rosemary extract as a food additive – extension of use, A1273 Steviol glycosides as a food additive in Food for special medical purposes, A1275 Transglutaminase from GM Bacillus licheniformis as a processing aid, A1276 Food derived from herbicide-tolerant soybean line MON94313, A1277 2′-FL from GM Escherichia coli K-12 (gene donor: Helicobacter enhydrae) in infant formula products.

Changes to AICIS categorisation, reporting & record-keeping requirements

In Australia, chemical introductions must be completed before the chemicals are manufactured in or imported to Australia. They are divided into five categories. The amendments to the Rules are mainly on the introduction categorization, reporting, and record-keeping.

processing or preparation steps that occur in the United States based on the final rule, “Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products with U.S.- Origin Claims”.

CHINA

Release of 47 national food safety standards and 6 amendments including the National Food Safety Standards for the Use of Food Additives

In accordance with the provisions of the “Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China” and after review and approval by the National Food Safety Standards Review Committee,  47 national food safety standards including the “National Food Safety Standards Standards for the Use of Food Additives” ( GB 2760-2024 ) and 6 Modification order.

New Labeling Guidelines for Prepackaged Foods

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China announced several detailed guidelines, encouraging food businesses to improve the labeling of production dates and shelf lives on prepackaged food products, including food additives. The announcement is expected to facilitate greater transparency for consumers in identifying the packaging and labeling information.

Inclusion of Toothpaste Testing Methods into Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics

NMPA approved and released 15 toothpaste testing methods. These 15 testing methods are incorporated into China’s Cosmetics Safety and Technical Standards (CSTS). Effective from December 1, 2024, these testing methods apply to toothpaste notification and NMPA Sampling Inspections. 

Prohibited Ingredients in Foods in South Korea

HHC-O-acetate’ designated as a raw material or ingredient for overseas direct purchase food was subject to ban being bought into Korea by MFDS.

JAPAN

Designated Food Additive in Food Products

Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) issued an amendment to revise the food additive list. As per the amendment, 3,6-dimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-2(4H )-benzofuranone will be removed from the Essence List of 18 Kinds as of December 31, 2024.

TAIWAN

Repealing Regulations on Specific Purpose Cosmetics

Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced its intention to repeal five regulations and implement a new regulation, in response to the discontinuation of the product category of specific purpose cosmetics. The proposed amendments are open for comments until May 27, 2024, and set to take effect on July 1, 2024. All specific purpose cosmetics will be regulated as general cosmetics thereafter. To align with this change, TFDA proposes abolishing five regulations on specific purpose cosmetics