SEOUL: An international food-standards body has added kimchi cabbage to the international standard name for cabbage used for making kimchi, following a proposal from South Korea.
Government officials yesterday said the decision will help Korea solidify its status as the home and originator of the dish.
According to Yonhap News Agency, kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish typically made from cabbage, but the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which sets international standards for foodstuffs, had only recognised the name “Chinese cabbage” for an Asian-type cabbage commonly used for making kimchi.
During its 48th general assembly in Italy last week, the CAC decided to add kimchi cabbage and Napa cabbage as official names for the ingredient, officials from the agriculture, oceans and food safety ministries said.
In a joint press release, the ministries said the CAC’s decision reflects the increase in the use of the newly added terms, and will help Korea reinforce its status as the origin country of the dish, while expanding kimchi exports.
The CAC also decided to commence the procedure for setting an international standard for “gim,” or dried seaweed, which is currently listed only under Asian regional standards.
Once international standards for the quality, hygiene and labelling of gim products are established, it will provide an important foundation for the sustainable growth of the industry and strengthen the competitiveness of Korean gim in the global market, the ministries said.
Meanwhile, South Korea was elected as the chair of the CAC’s committee on processed fruits and vegetables to take over the role from the United States. – BERNAMA-YONHAP
