South Korea's 'K-seaweed' on track to become global standard after passing interim review

South Korea is poised to establish a global standard for its popular "K-seaweed" (kim), a move expected to significantly boost the reliability and competitiveness of its seaweed products worldwide. The draft global standard for kim products, previously only listed as an Asian regional standard, has successfully passed an interim review at the 49th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) in Geneva.

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With the establishment of global standards for kim products, including types (dried, roasted, seasoned), permissible mixing ratios with other seaweeds (like green, silver, and kelp), quality criteria, and labeling methods, it will serve as a crucial foundation for the sustainable growth of the kim industry, a high-value fishery product.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, a joint body of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), develops internationally recognized food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. South Korea, as the largest exporter of seaweed, has been actively promoting the establishment of a unified global standard. Previously, the lack of a consistent international standard meant that different countries applied varying criteria, leading to additional time and costs for Korean exporters.

"With the establishment of global standards for kim products, including types (dried, roasted, seasoned), permissible mixing ratios with other seaweeds (like green, silver, and kelp), quality criteria, and labeling methods, it will serve as a crucial foundation for the sustainable growth of the kim industry, a high-value fishery product," the government stated. This standardization is projected to reduce non-tariff barriers for importers, potentially accelerating the achievement of South Korea's ambitious goal of exporting $1.8 billion worth of seaweed annually by 2030.

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This Codex General Session outcome is a testament to the international trust and leadership South Korea has built in food safety. We will actively participate in setting international standards to ensure K-food becomes a more trusted food in the global market.

Furthermore, South Korea's role as the presiding nation of the Processed Fruits and Vegetables committee within Codex has been solidified. This committee will now undertake new work on cashew nut standards and sweet potato powder regulations, signaling South Korea's growing influence in setting international food standards. This platform is expected to facilitate discussions on revising international standards for other Korean food products like kimchi, ginseng products, and gochujang, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of K-food.

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The interim review passage for the global standard of kim products is the result of South Korea, as the largest exporter, preparing the standard based on scientific evidence and international consensus.