(1) Reasons for Proposal
This Amendment newly inserts a principle based on which to apply maximum residue limits for pesticides in food additives manufactured using agricultural products as ingredients; improves ingredient specifications for four items, such as by applying LOD(loss on dry) requirements to “magnesium silicate” used as an anticaking agent; and improves usage standards for nine items including “propylene glycol” to meet international standards and reflect their necessity at food manufacturing sites.
(2) Major Provisions
A. Newly insert rules for applying maximum residue limits for pesticides in food additives
1) It is necessary to newly insert rules for applying maximum residue limits for pesticides to ensure the safety of food additives made from agricultural products.
2) Prescribe rules for applying maximum residue limits for pesticides in food additives (I. 3. 5))
3) Ensure the safety of food additives made from agricultural products
B. Amend ingredient specifications for four items including “magnesium silicate”
1) It is necessary to amend provisions to ensure the sensible application of ingredient specifications based on the purpose of use, and to provide a clear explanation of relevant terms.
2) Amend LOD(loss on dry) requirements in the ingredient specifications for “magnesium silicate” (II. 4. A. Magnesium silicate)
3) Add details on caffeine monohydrate under other names and CAS No for “caffeine” (II. 4. A. Caffeine)
4) Add an explanation of “single-acting” and “double-acting” under “baking powder” (II. 4. B. Baking powder)
5) Align the terms used to describe the purity test for “mixed agents” with those used in the definition (II. 4. B. Mixed agents)
6) Promote the food industry and increase the understanding of civil complaints by improving ingredient specifications and clarifying terms to reflect usage characteristics
C. Amend usage standards for nine items including “sodium metabisulfite”
1) It is necessary to improve usage standards to meet international standards and reflect the need to use food additives at food manufacturing sites.
2) Amend usage standards for six sulfites including “sodium metabisulfite” such that they may be used in brandy and standard distilled spirits (II. 5. A. Sodium metabisulfite, Potassium metabisulfite, Anhydrous sulfite, Sodium bisulfite, Sodium sulfite, Sodium hydrosulfite)
3) Amend usage standards for “sodium hydroxide solution” such that they match that for sodium hydroxide (II. 5. A. Sodium hydroxide)
4) Divide miscellaneous foods into subcategories under the usage standards for “L-ascorbyl palmitate” and “propylene glycol,” and amend provisions to reflect the actual circumstances of use and quantities used (II. 5. A. L-Ascorbyl palmitate, Propylene glycol)
5) Reflect the actual circumstances of food additives usage to clarify provisions, promote the food industry, and strengthen safety standards, and thereby protect national health
