South Korea Re-Evaluates Green Tea Extract and Eight Other Functional Ingredients: What’s at Stake?
- PYD
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has launched a comprehensive re-evaluation of nine functional food ingredients, including green tea extract, shark liver oil, and pomegranate concentrate, assessing their safety and efficacy. This routine 10-year review could result in changes to daily intake guidelines, revised health claims, or even a revocation of functional recognition. The results, due by the end of 2025, could reshape South Korea’s functional food market, as seen with past rulings that banned Garcinia cambogia from being mixed with other fat-reducing ingredients and removed reishi mushroom extract from the approved list.
Insights & Strategic Moves
Green Tea Extract Under Scrutiny
Currently permitted to claim antioxidant benefits, fat reduction, and cholesterol regulation, green tea extract is being reassessed for these functions.
The MFDS may adjust the recommended daily catechin intake (currently 0.3g to 1g) based on new findings.
Shark Liver Oil & Immune Health
Often used for immune support, shark liver oil containing alkoxyglycerol is being reviewed for efficacy and dosage adjustments (currently 0.6g to 2.7g per day).
Pomegranate & Skin Health Claims
Known for its popularity in women’s health and skincare, pomegranate concentrate is being re-evaluated for its effects on menopausal health, skin moisturisation, and UV protection.
Body Fat Reduction Ingredients Under Review
Gynostemma pentaphyllum leaf extract and seaweed extracts are being re-examined for their weight loss claims, following the recent Garcinia cambogia restriction, which barred it from being mixed with other fat-reducing ingredients.
Potential Market Shake-Ups
If claims for any ingredient are weakened or revoked, companies will need to adjust product formulations and marketing.
Past re-evaluations have led to major regulatory shifts, such as removing reishi mushroom extract from the functional food category due to a lack of confirmed efficacy.
Future Outlook
The MFDS’s findings will impact regulatory compliance, product positioning, and consumer trust in South Korea’s functional food sector. Brands relying on these ingredients must prepare for potential reformulation, stricter claims, or dosage revisions to stay ahead of regulatory shifts.
With South Korea tightening its functional food oversight, scientific validation and regulatory agility will be crucial for brands aiming to sustain credibility and market share. The industry should watch closely as the MFDS announces its final rulings by year-end.
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