MFDS Designates 'Theobromine' Ingredient in Overseas Direct Purchase Foods as Domestic Import Blocked Item

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 28th that ‘Theobromine’ contained in overseas direct purchase foods has been designated as a raw material/ingredient subject to import ban and publicly notified.

The newly designated ‘Theobromine’ is an active ingredient in prescription drugs used to relieve cough by inhibiting the action of the vagus nerve present in the bronchi or lungs. It may cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and abdominal pain.

After inspecting overseas direct purchase foods, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to request the Korea Customs Service to withhold customs clearance for products confirmed to contain ‘Theobromine’ and ask the Korea Communications Commission to block access to online sales sites, thereby preventing their import into the country.

Since 2008, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has been designating raw materials and ingredients (such as narcotics, pharmaceutical, and herbal medicine ingredients) of overseas direct purchase foods that pose a risk to public health as raw materials/ingredients subject to import ban.

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