Chapter 24 - Regulation of Functional Foods in Selected Asian Countries in the Pacific Rim

Abstract

Asia is a pioneer in recognizing foods with health benefits, known today as functional foods. The diet-related chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease and diabetes, have been on the rise in the Asian countries in the Pacific Rim. This is especially pronounced among the urban communities due to the adoption of Western-style diet and pace of living. To combat chronic diseases, the nutritional trends have changed dramatically during the last two decades. There has been greater focus on the preventive role of nutrition and food with health benefits, such as functional foods. In response to consumer trends, the industry increased efforts to produce foods, which possess “specific health care abilities.” Functional foods were also imported from other countries such as China, Japan, and Europe. To control production and movement of this food category, many Asian jurisdictions in the Pacific Rim, including South Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia, have succeeded in developing regulations for the production and use of nutraceuticals and functional foods. Although most of the countries in the region adopted the Codex Alimentarius definition, functional foods may have divergent meaning in various countries. The term “functional foods” may include health and functional health foods, foods that are fortified with minerals and vitamins, dietary supplements or even traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this chapter is to review a regulatory system for functional foods in the eight countries of the Pacific Rim: Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, and Thailand. Diverse acts, regulations and guidelines that may govern this type of foods, as well as labeling and possible health claims are also discussed.