1. Reasons for Amendment
To address the recent continuous outbreak of suspected salmonellosis caused by eggs, the Amendment strengthens food safety control by increasing the number of Salmonella test items for eggs and restricts the use of nine food ingredients that may pose safety risks when consumed. It also amends maximum residue limits for pesticides in food, thereby aiming to provide the public with safe food.
2. Major Provisions
A. Amend salmonella limits for eggs for raw consumption [Section 2. 3. 4) (2) D.]
1) An increase in the number of cases of suspected salmonellosis associated with eggs has made it necessary to amend standards and specifications to make sure that eggs are safe to eat.
2) Add tests for two species of Salmonella (Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella Thompson) in addition to the current Salmonella enteritidis to ensure harmonization with standards for eggs prescribed in the “Regulations on the Testing of Eggs for Microorganisms and Residual Substances” (Joint Notice of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs).
3) Provide the public with safe food by increasing the number of microbial control items for eggs.
B. Delete and restrict the use of food ingredients [Tables 1 and 2]
1) There is a need to delete or otherwise modify food ingredients that pose risks when consumed based on reassessment results, etc. of the food ingredients.
2) Delete scrawled filefish, hibiscus (calyx), and Aloe arborescens from the list of food ingredients.
3) Change sweet wormwood (leaf, stem), Yucca brevifolia (root), African mango (seed), yellow sweet clover (leaf, flower), black mustard (seed), Ceylon cinnamon (bark, branch) to restricted ingredients.
4) Provide the public with safe food by ensuring the safety of food ingredients.
C. Amend maximum residue limits for pesticides in food [(142) in Table 4]
1) There is a need to reflect reassessed maximum residue limits for pesticides used in Korea and abroad.
2) Amend the maximum residue limit for simazine.
3) Provide the public with safe food by newly inserting and making reasonable amendments to maximum residue limits for pesticides in agricultural produce.
