When Buying Health Functional Foods, Be Sure to Check 'This'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] As the spread of COVID-19 continues, the importance of adhering to social distancing and managing health is increasing. Health functional foods are expected to be especially popular as gifts during this year’s Family Month. The Korea Health Functional Food Association provides guidance on the proper way to purchase health functional foods in celebration of Family Month.

Check for Health Functional Food Certification Mark

When purchasing health functional foods, you must check the packaging exterior for the phrase “Health Functional Food” and the certification mark. All health functional foods distributed domestically undergo scientific evaluation of their functionality and safety by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Only products that pass this evaluation can display the phrase and mark. If these markings are absent, the product is classified as a health food or dietary supplement, which is not a health functional food, so it is important to clearly distinguish between them.

Check Nutritional and Functional Information

The functionalities recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for health functional foods include over 30 types such as immune function, blood circulation improvement, antioxidant effects, memory enhancement, fatigue recovery, and gut health. Among these various functionalities, consumers should prioritize their own needs and health conditions when selecting a product. The 'Nutritional and Functional Information' section on the back of the product lists the functional ingredients contained, their effects, as well as intake amount, method, and precautions, so it is advisable to check this before purchasing.

Avoid False and Exaggerated Advertising

Recently, cases of false and exaggerated advertising exploiting consumers’ concerns about COVID-19 infection have increased, requiring special caution. If a product is directly linked to COVID-19 or introduced as a cure-all with therapeutic effects, it is false and exaggerated advertising and should be avoided. Official health functional foods undergo pre-review of labeling and advertising by experts from various fields, and if approved, the review mark (#image below) can be displayed on the product and advertisements.

Check Korean Labeling When Purchasing Overseas Products

Recently, the number of consumers purchasing overseas products through direct import or proxy purchasing online has been increasing. However, some products brought in this way contain ingredients banned domestically, so their safety is not guaranteed. Products imported for domestic sale and that have passed official customs inspection display the importer (manufacturer) name and ingredient names in Korean, so check for these when purchasing. Information on hazards related to overseas food and medical products can be confirmed through Damora, operated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.