Gochujang and Gotgam Adopted in International Food Standards...Expectations for Export Promotion

(Photo by Korea Tourism Organization)

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Commissioner Lee Ui-kyung) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Minister Kim Hyun-soo) announced on the 13th that gochujang and gotgam were adopted as international food standards at the 43rd Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) meeting, which will help export our traditional foods overseas.

Once gochujang and gotgam are adopted as international food standards, countries that had difficulties exporting due to the lack of standards can request the removal of non-tariff barriers based on international standards, thereby activating exports.

This meeting was held via video conference from September 24 to 26 and on October 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with about 600 participants including national delegations, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Codex is an international conference jointly operated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with over 180 member countries participating to develop international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. Currently, South Korea participates in all 16 subcommittees.

A government official stated, "We plan to do our best to respond to additional opinions from member countries so that our traditional foods are finally adopted as international food standards at the final report adoption meeting scheduled for the end of this month."

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