A study on the newly-enacted health claims regulations in Korea

This study was conducted to suggest recommendations for the newly-enacted Health Claims Regulation on processed food in Korea to be more consumer-friendly and effective. It analyzed the data about preference and evaluation of both consumers and experts. The following suggestions were made. First, it should include all three kinds of claims: the nutrient function claims, other function claims, and reduction of disease risk claims. And, at the beggining of enforcement, the government should require pre-review of all food products, and watch over advertisements in addition to labels. Secondly, the functional content as well as the warning should be mandated to be written in noticeable area of package to provide information at the point of purchase. Thirdly, the regulation of this new policy should be integrated with that of current system to prevent confusion. Finally, public broadcasting programs shold be utilized to educate consumers on health claims easily and repeatedly.