South Korea has made an important change to the global standard for kimchi. During a meeting in Rome from November 10 to 14, the Codex Alimentarius Commission added the term 'kimchi cabbage' to its official rules.
This update means that the term is now recognized in the official food guidelines, making it easier for producers and buyers around the world to understand.
The change also expands the description of the main ingredient in kimchi, beyond just Chinese cabbage and napa cabbage. This is the first update since Korea proposed the Codex kimchi standard in 2001.
At the meeting, South Korean government agencies explained that the new wording helps strengthen the identity of Korean kimchi in global markets. Officials said this change gives exporters a clearer standard to use when promoting their products.
The ministries said that the new wording will help Korean exporters in their negotiations for supply deals. They think using clear language in international food rules will reduce confusion for importers and retailers.
The update to the Codex kimchi standard shows that Korea's food certification industries are getting strong support as they grow internationally. It also shows how countries can protect their traditional products by working with global organizations that set rules.
Executive Statement
According to A senior representative from the Ministry of Food Safety and Drug, this update helps buyers around the world understand what real kimchi uses as its base ingredient. It gives producers more room to explain their product and defend it in markets where other items try to claim the same name.