"Reducing Calories and Adding Nutrition"... Food Industry Increasing Children's Preferred Foods

MFDS certifies 398 quality-certified children's preferred food products... Expected to exceed 400 within the year
Importance of healthy and safe food choices rises amid increasing childhood obesity rates
Crown Confectionery, led by 'My Chew', along with Namyang Dairy and Seoul Milk, increase certified product launches

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The food and beverage industry is increasing the release of products for children that target both taste and health. The number of quality-certified children's preference food products is expected to exceed 400 by the end of the year.

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as of the end of October, 398 products from 116 companies have received quality certification for children's preference foods.

The children's preference food quality certification system was introduced and has been operated since March 2009 by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to encourage the manufacturing, processing, distribution, and sale of safe and nutritionally balanced products among preference foods that children enjoy, such as snacks, chocolates, and juices. The certification is granted to foods that meet standards related to safety, nutrition, and the use of food additives.

As the rate of childhood obesity continues to rise, the importance of creating an environment where children and parents can choose healthy and safe foods is increasingly emphasized. According to student health examination data from 2017 to 2021 submitted by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, the obesity rate among elementary school students in Seoul was 19.5% last year, up 4.5 percentage points from 15.0% in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

To receive quality certification for children's preference foods from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, products must be produced in facilities certified under the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. The use of edible tar dyes, synthetic preservatives, and chemically synthesized substances as food additives is prohibited. Additionally, the content of harmful nutritional components such as sugars and saturated fats must be low, and the product must contain at least two or more nutritional components?protein, vitamins, minerals, or dietary fiber?at or above the standard levels.

Among the types of foods certified for children's preference foods, beverages accounted for the largest proportion. Fruit and vegetable juices numbered 255, followed by fruit and vegetable drinks (45), mixed drinks (34), fermented milk products (20), processed milk products (8), and probiotic drinks (2). Outside of beverages, 14 candies, 13 snacks, 6 frozen desserts, and 1 fish sausage product were certified.

Among major companies, Crown Confectionery led with 12 certified products, including 'My Chew,' which was the first candy to receive quality certification. My Chew significantly reduced sugars by using alternative sweeteners while maintaining its sweetness. It also increased vitamin C content and added vitamin D. One My Chew provides children with 66% of their daily required vitamin C and D intake. Health Village, which produces 'Haruyachae Tayo' and 'Pororo,' also had 12 products listed in the quality certification catalog.

Namyang Dairy Products (Einstein Kids, Bulgari Kids, etc.) and Seoul Milk (Yohaim Strawberry, Morning Juice) each received certification for 5 products. Lotte Chilsung Beverage and Lotte Foods are accelerating their efforts with 4 certified products each, including 'Organic Apple & Carrot' and 'Jewel Bar.' Additionally, Pulmuone (Kids High Ssuksuk) and hy (Mpro3 Kids) are also pursuing quality certification.

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