S. Korea Proposes New Decree to Enhance Military Food Quality

South Korea Unveils Draft Decree for Military Food Service Improvement

The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has announced a legislative pre-announcement for a new enforcement decree under the Military Food Service Act. This proposed decree aims to significantly enhance the quality, hygiene, and nutritional standards of meals provided to soldiers across all branches of the military. The public now has an opportunity to submit opinions on the draft regulations.

The core objective of this new decree is to systematically manage and operate military food services, ensuring that soldiers receive sufficient and sanitary nutrition. It elaborates on the provisions of the existing Military Food Service Act, which was enacted to establish a foundational framework for improving food services within the armed forces.

Key provisions outlined in the draft decree include the establishment of operational guidelines for various food service committees. The All-Military Food Service Committee will hold regular annual meetings, with decisions typically made by signature. Additionally, military food service committees at the divisional level and higher will be composed of up to nine members, including a chairperson. The decree also specifies entities eligible to outsource food ingredient procurement, such as agricultural and fisheries cooperatives, as well as contractors meeting the requirements of the National Contract Act. Furthermore, it sets detailed quality control standards for agricultural, livestock, marine products, and processed foods.

The draft decree also emphasizes rigorous hygiene and safety measures. It outlines comprehensive management plans to prevent accidents related to food service facilities, personnel, ingredients, and operational procedures. It mandates that menus clearly indicate the presence of allergen-causing substances. Food hygiene and military food service officials will be granted inspection authority over related facilities, tasked with verifying adherence to quality and hygiene standards. They may also request administrative support from relevant ministries and local governments when necessary.

The public comment period for this draft enforcement decree runs until April 22, 2026. Individuals, organizations, or institutions wishing to submit opinions can do so online via the National Participation in Legislation Center (http://opinion.lawmaking.go.kr). Alternatively, written comments can be sent via email to yjjeong23@korea.kr, by postal mail to the Ministry of National Defense (Material Management Division, 22 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04383), or by fax to 02-748-5699. Submissions should include an opinion (for or against, with reasons if against), the submitter’s name (or organization name and representative), address, and contact information.

For further inquiries regarding the draft decree, interested parties may contact the Ministry of National Defense’s Material Management Division directly at 02-748-5723 (phone) or 02-748-5699 (fax).

Source: 법제처 — Original Article (Korean)