MFDS Strengthens Safety Inspections of Imported Candies Ahead of Halloween

Photo created with AI (ChatGPT, OpenAI). Free to use with attribution.

As Halloween approaches, colorful candies and chocolates are taking over store shelves across Korea. To ensure that all these sweet treats are safe for consumers, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has announced a special inspection initiative focused on imported candies, chocolates, and snacks.

From October 13 to 17, the MFDS will conduct enhanced inspections at the import clearance stage to prevent any potentially unsafe products from entering the market. The initiative is designed to proactively safeguard public health during a season when demand for confectionery items typically surges.

---

What is being checked?

Different product types will undergo targeted safety tests based on common risk factors identified from past inspections:

Candies	Unauthorized synthetic colorants, preservatives, and compression strength (for cup-shaped jelly candies)
Chocolates	Bacterial count
Snacks	Acid value (for fried or oil-treated products), bacterial count, sulfur dioxide, and mycotoxins (including Zearalenone and total Aflatoxins)

Each manufacturer will be subject to at least one round of focused testing during the inspection period.

In 2024, Korea imported approximately 62,985 tons of candies, 43,626 tons of chocolates, and 64,809 tons of snacks—reflecting the continued popularity of international confectionery brands among Korean consumers.

---

Ensuring Consumer Safety

Any products that fail to meet the regulatory standards will be promptly returned to the exporting country or disposed of, ensuring they do not reach store shelves. If a product is found to be non-compliant, future imports of the same item will face five consecutive rounds of detailed testing for stricter control.

An MFDS spokesperson emphasized the agency’s ongoing commitment:

“We will continue to conduct targeted and seasonal inspections to strengthen the safety management of imported foods and protect consumers from potential risks.”

As Halloween festivities approach, these preventive measures help ensure that families across Korea can enjoy their candies and chocolates with confidence and peace of mind.