South Korea secures Codex update for kimchi cabbage
The change helps Korea protect its food identity as global interest in kimchi keeps rising.
SOUTH KOREA – South Korea has gained a key change in the international standard for kimchi after the Codex Alimentarius Commission added the term kimchi cabbage during its 48th session in Rome from Nov. 10 to 14.
A Codex update means the official rules for food ingredients now include this term, providing clear guidance for producers and buyers worldwide.
The update expands the description of the main ingredient beyond Chinese cabbage and napa cabbage, marking the first change since Korea proposed the Codex kimchi standard in 2001.
At the meeting, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Korea Food Research Institute explained that the new wording strengthens the identity of Korean kimchi in global markets.
Officials said the change gives exporters a clearer standard to reference when they promote their products.
A senior representative from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said the decision supports Korea’s cultural and trade interests. “This update helps buyers around the world understand what real kimchi uses as its base ingredient,” the official said.
“It gives producers more room to explain their product and defend it in markets where other items try to claim the same name.”
The ministries added that the revised terminology will give Korean exporters stronger footing when they negotiate supply deals. They believe clear language in an international food code will reduce confusion among importers and retailers.
Support from research and industry
Experts at the Korea Food Research Institute praised the change. A research team member said food producers can now present their products with more confidence. “The term kimchi cabbage reflects what makers in Korea use, and it shows respect for long-standing methods,” the researcher said. Industry leaders also noted that this recognition comes at a time when global demand for Korean food continues to grow.
Producers expect the update to help them secure new customers in regions that follow Codex rules closely. Importing countries often check this standard when they assess products, and the revised language may ease communication during inspections.
Korea also reported progress in other food export areas during the same period. Officials confirmed that they continue to work with global partners to strengthen the safety and quality checks that support outbound shipments.
One official said these efforts build trust with international buyers. “We want every partner to feel sure about what they receive from our producers,” the official said. The government plans to keep working with industry groups so that export growth continues.
The update to the Codex kimchi standard signals steady support for Korea’s food sectors as they expand abroad. It also shows how countries can protect their traditional products by engaging with global rule-setting bodies.
Korea now plans to use this change to strengthen its export strategy while promoting the authenticity of its signature dish.
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