Circular No. 15/2000/TT-BYT guides the labeling of food products in accordance with the legal provisions on labeling and the Labeling Regulations for goods circulating domestically and goods for export and import. This Circular applies to traders dealing in food products.
适用范围
Traders dealing in food products
要点
- Traders must label food additives according to their group name or international code number, and provide additional information about their origin (natural, artificial, synthetic) for additives such as flavorings, sweeteners, colorants.
- Food additives derived from genetic technology must clearly state "Genetically engineered" on the label.
- Irradiated food must be labeled as "Irradiated food" or display images as prescribed internationally.
- Nutrient-enriched and therapeutic foods must include information on energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, special supplement contents, and usage instructions.
- Ingredients of food additives need to be labeled with the group name, additive name, international code number, chemical formula, molecular weight, and storage and shelf life information.
🌐 本文件的社会影响
- Positive impact: Helps consumers have full information about the product, increases transparency in food trade.
- Negative impact: May cause difficulties for traders in complying with complex labeling regulations.
❓ 常见问题
What should be labeled on food additives?
Traders must label food additives according to their group name or international code number, and provide additional information about their origin (natural, artificial, synthetic) for additives such as flavorings, sweeteners, colorants.
What should be labeled on food additives derived from genetic technology?
The label must state "Genetically engineered."
What must be labeled on irradiated food?
Must be labeled as "Irradiated food" or display images as prescribed internationally.
What information must be included on nutrient-enriched and therapeutic foods?
Must include information on energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, special supplement contents, and usage instructions.
What information must be included on ingredients of food additives?
Group name, additive name, international code number, chemical formula, molecular weight, and storage and shelf life information.
全文
CIRCULAR
Guidelines for food product labeling
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Pursuant to Clause 2, Article 19 of the "Regulations on Labeling Domestic Circulating Goods and Exported and Imported Goods" issued together with Decision No. 178/1999/QĐ-TTg dated August 30, 1999 of the Prime Minister, and Clause 2, Section IV of Circular No. 34/TT-BTM dated December 15, 1999 of the Ministry of Trade guiding the implementation of the above Decision, based on Decision No. 4196/1999/QĐ-TTg dated December 29, 1999 of the Minister of Health promulgating regulations on food quality and safety, the Ministry of Health guides the labeling of food products as follows:
1. The labeling of goods that are food must be carried out according to the Regulations on Labeling Domestic Circulating Goods and Exported and Imported Goods issued together with Decision No. 178/1999/QĐ-TTg dated August 30, 1999 of the Prime Minister and Circular No. 34/TT-BTM dated December 15, 1999 of the Ministry of Trade guiding the implementation of Decree No. 178/1999/QĐ-TTg.
2. In addition to the provisions set forth in Point 1 of this Circular, the labeling of food products must also comply with the following mandatory requirements:
2.1. The method of labeling food additives on the label shall be as follows:
a. The name of the additive group with the name of the food additive, for example: emulsifier: sodium polyphosphate; or with the international code of the food additive (the code is placed in parentheses), for example: Emulsifier (452i).
b. For flavorings, sweeteners, and colorants, the terms "natural," "artificial," or "synthetic" must be added, for example: artificial coloring (160i) or synthetic coloring: beta-apo-8-carotenoid methyl ester.
2.2. All foods produced or processed from genetically modified ingredients and those using genetic technology must be labeled in Vietnamese with the statement: "Uses Genetic Technology."
2.3. Foods produced, processed, or preserved using irradiation techniques must be labeled in Vietnamese with the statement: "Irradiated Food" or have an internationally recognized symbol indicating irradiated food as prescribed by Vietnam.
2.4. For foods intended to enhance nutrition or treat diseases, the following information must be added:
a. Nutritional value of energy and nutrients in finished products: (Energy, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals...).
b. Name and quantity of special supplements (taurine, DHA, iron, calcium...).
c. Usage instructions: The label must clearly state the target users, dosage, and usage method.
2.5. The method of labeling food for special dietary uses is as follows:
- The phrase "dietary" should be linked to the name of the food.
- The main characteristic of the dietary food should be specified next to the name of the food.
Example: Diet porridge (free from saturated fatty acids);
Diet beverage (low calorie or suitable for diabetics).
2.6. The method of labeling food additive ingredients is as follows:
- Additive group name
- Additive name
- International code
- If there are two or more food additives in a package, their names must be listed fully in descending order of their weight ratio in each package.
- Chemical formula, structure, and molecular weight.
- Clearly marked "For Food Use."
- Fully provide storage, expiration date, and usage instructions for the food additive.
3. Merchants may include additional information on food labels such as: barcode numbers issued by national barcode organizations; registered trademarks; awards received; international quality standards certifications; production batch numbers; international symbols for transportation, use, and storage; foreign language content provided they do not conflict with mandatory labeling requirements under the law and this Circular, and do not constitute advertising for specific disease prevention or treatment or as a substitute for medication.
4. Food merchants are subject to label inspections by the Ministry of Health, provincial health departments, and specialized inspections by food safety and hygiene inspectors.
5. Violations of food labeling laws, forms, and authority to handle violations are implemented according to Decision No. 178/1999/QĐ-TTg dated August 30, 1999 of the Prime Minister issuing the Regulations on Labeling Domestic Circulating Goods and Exported and Imported Goods.
6. This Circular takes effect fifteen days from the date of issuance. Merchants are responsible for complying with the labeling requirements stipulated in this Circular.
7. For food labels currently in use that do not conform to the Prime Minister's Labeling Regulations and this Circular, merchants must promptly report the specifics of each type including: Quantity, value in Vietnamese currency, and planned usage schedule for these labels. Reports must be submitted to the Ministry of Health (Food Safety and Quality Management Department) before August 30, 2000, for the Ministry of Health to submit to the Ministry of Trade for consolidation and reporting to the Prime Minister for guidance on resolution.
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