Allergen Labeling for Korean Food Imports — US/EU/Japan Guide (Card News)

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Summary

Korean food labels often miss what US, EU, and Japan require for import. Verify these before sourcing:

• USA — 9 mandatory (FALCPA + FASTER Act, Sesame added Jan 1, 2023)
• EU — 14 mandatory (Regulation 1169/2011 Annex II, with emphasis required)
• Japan — 8 mandatory + 20 recommended (Food Labelling Act, Walnut added April 2023)

Top 3 things Korean factories miss

1. Anchovy paste in Kimchi — Korean labels often say "seafood" only. US/EU/JP all require explicit "Fish" disclosure.
2. Wheat in Gochujang — Traditional gochujang contains wheat flour. Missing "wheat" causes customs rejection. Falsely claiming gluten-free triggers criminal liability.
3. Sesame oil — Treated as flavoring in Korea, often omitted. Mandatory in US since Jan 2023, mandatory in EU.

Most confusing items

• Soy: US/EU mandatory, Japan recommended only
• Sesame: US/EU mandatory, Japan recommended only

Sources

• US FDA — 21 U.S.C. § 343(w)
• EU — Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 Annex II
• Japan — 食品表示基準

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