Food and drug safety ministry selects 10 ingredients for 2027 re-evaluation

The food and drug safety ministry said the 23rd it has selected 10 ingredients, including bilberry extract, for its 2027 regular re-evaluation of functional health food materials.

The chosen subjects are materials that have passed 10 years since receiving official functional recognition or notification status. Officials reviewed production records and reports of adverse cases to finalize the list, aiming to re-verify safety and efficacy using the latest scientific information.

"The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will do its best to create a manufacturing and consumption environment for health functional foods that people can trust by continuing to carry out science-based re-evaluations," the agency said.

The selected ingredients include bilberry extract, which is recognized for helping reduce eye fatigue, and UREX probiotics, approved for promoting beneficial bacteria in the vagina. Also included are freeze-dried silkworm powder, lactoferrin, pu-erh tea extract, pine needle distillate, whey protein extract, Parkland cranberry powder, finger root extract powder, and pumpkin seed extract powder.

Results from past evaluations have led to cancellations of functional claims or changes to daily intake guidelines and precautionary labels. The ministry has completed re-evaluations for a total of 91 ingredients since starting the annual program in 2017.