South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has flagged 95 cases of cosmetics designed to look like food, including donuts, macarons, and grapes, warning of ingestion risks especially for children. The crackdown targets 'funsumer' marketing trends that blur the line between edible products and wash-off cosmetics, signaling tighter regulatory scrutiny for overseas buyers sourcing from Korean OEMs.
Regulatory action and legal basis
Under the Korean Cosmetics Act, any product whose visual appearance, container, or packaging could cause consumers to mistake it for food is banned from sale and advertising. The MFDS conducted a special online inspection and found 95 violations, requesting immediate blocking of misleading ads through the Korea Communications Standards Commission. Administrative penalties will be imposed on manufacturers and distributors involved.
Product categories most affected
Among the flagged items, cleansing soap bars accounted for 72% (68 cases), followed by bath additives at 23% (22 cases), body cleansers at 2% (2 cases), and tinted lip balm at 1% (1 case). The products closely mimic the color, texture, and shape of real food items such as donuts, macarons, grapes, cheese, and eggs, appealing to the 'funsumer' trend that prioritizes novelty over safety.
Safety risks and recall measures
Ingesting these cleansing products can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, or even physical impairment. The MFDS has ordered full recall and disposal of all distributed items. Authorities urge that such novelty cosmetics be stored out of reach of infants and young children, who are most vulnerable to accidental ingestion.
What buyers should watch
For overseas importers and distributors sourcing from Korean OEMs, this case highlights the need to verify that product packaging and design do not visually resemble food items, especially for wash-off categories like soap and bath additives. Compliance with local cosmetic regulations on misleading appearance is critical to avoid shipment holds, fines, or reputational damage in markets with strict child safety laws.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 04, 2026