The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued a notice on December 4, 2023, announcing a ban on the import of betel nuts. This decision was made after the discovery of highly toxic pesticides in betel nuts imported from Taiwan, China. South Korea imports dozens of tons of betel nuts from different sources each year, mainly for use as traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, as betel nuts have been reported to potentially cause oral cancer, the MFDS has decided to list betel nuts as prohibited import goods, which means that betel nuts cannot be imported into South Korea as traditional Chinese medicine or food.

Long used as traditional medicine in Korea, China and Japan where its called betel nut. When importing betel nut and similar herbs, MFDS typically only permits varieties passing pesticide residue tests. However, due to recent findings of highly toxic pesticides and potential links to oral cancer, Koreas FDA has implemented stricter measures.

This decision may have an impact on the South Korean traditional Chinese medicine market, especially on the traditional Chinese medicine industry that relies on betel nuts as medicinal materials. Given the health risks and safety issues of betel nuts, this ban shows the determination of the South Korean government to protect public health. The decision of the MFDS emphasizes the importance of food safety and drug regulation, as well as the necessity of strict inspection of imported products.

Original announcement:‘Betel nuts are not imported for edible purposes.’