Government Implements Designation System for Senior-Friendly Excellent Foods

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government announced on the 30th that it will implement the 'Elderly-Friendly Excellent Food Designation System' starting from the 31st to revitalize the food market for the elderly.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries decided to select foods that have been manufactured and processed by adjusting the physical properties, form, and ingredients so that the elderly can consume them as excellent foods.

To be designated as excellent food, the food must be produced by a company that has applied the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) or completed the health functional food item manufacturing report.

The food must meet the quality standards of the Korean Industrial Standards (KS) for elderly-friendly foods, appropriate manufacturing processes to adjust physical properties and nutritional components, safety in consumption such as size when swallowing, packaging that can be safely opened, and labeling design that is easy to read and understand.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plan to support related accredited analysis and usability evaluation costs through the Korea Food Industry Cluster Promotion Institute to help food companies obtain the excellent food designation.

Details of the project can be found on the Promotion Institute's website under the 'Elderly-Friendly Food Industry Support Center.'

Meanwhile, the Promotion Institute plans to hold an excellent food designation review plan and company support project briefing session on the 10th of next month.

No Suhyun, Food Industry Policy Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "We will expand support for companies including designation support and promotion," and urged, "We hope companies actively participate in the excellent food designation to revitalize the development and distribution of various high-quality elderly-friendly foods."

Elderly-Friendly Excellent Food Label. (Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs)

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