South Korea expands mandatory GM labelling to edible oils and fats

South Korea has expanded its mandatory genetically modified (GM) food labelling requirements to cover certain food products made from genetically modified raw materials, even when GM DNA or proteins can no longer be detected after processing. The move was announced by the country’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The new rules will take effect on December 31, 2026. They apply to edible oils produced from soybeans, corn, canola, and cottonseed, as well as animal fats, including edible tallow and lard. The expanded requirements also cover processed oil and fat products such as blended cooking oils, flavored oils, shortening, and margarine.

In addition, the mandatory GM labelling rules will apply to soy sauce and certain saccharide products. However, other food products containing these ingredients will not require GM labels if the final product does not contain detectable genetically modified DNA or proteins.

According to the South Korean government and MFDS, the new requirements are intended to protect consumers’ right to know and provide them with greater choice when purchasing food products. The changes follow amendments to the Food Sanitation Act approved at the end of 2025.

South Korea has required GM labelling for products containing detectable GM DNA or proteins since 2001. The revised rules extend those requirements to selected highly processed products, including edible oils and fats, even when genetically modified DNA or proteins are no longer detectable in the final product.