Today's Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2012

1. MARKETING ISSUES

‘Red Light Signal’ will be Attached on Salty & Fatty Foods for Kids … ‘Traffic Signal Labeling’ to be Introduced Next Year [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/Society/3/03/20120526/46533588/1

Summary: The government meeting hosted by the prime minister on May 25 confirmed the ‘Special Act on Children Diet Safety Management’, which will mandate addition of ‘traffic signal’ labeling on snack and confectionery products from next year.  The ‘traffic signal’ labeling will indicate the amount of risky ingredients, sugar, total fat, saturated fat, and sodium, in the form of traffic signal.  Depending on the amount of these risky ingredients contained in the subject product, the packaging will show green, amber, or red light signal.  Beverage products will be subject to the labeling requirement from 2014.  Additionally, products categorized as ‘high calorie, low nutrient’ will be banned from sales in schools as well as advertising on TV from 5 to 7 p.m.

Gov’t to Allow Sales of Imported Wine on the Internet [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/Economy/Market/3/0108/20120529/46580168/1

Summary: It is reported that the government has decided to allow sales of imported wine on the internet to lower the retail price.  The new regulation is expected to be announced officially sometime next month.  It is likely that the regulation will also include ceiling on the number of bottles that each consumer can purchase on-line per day to prevent any black marketing.