MFDS to consolidate five public institutions into two, create one-stop drug adverse event service

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is pursuing a functional overhaul to consolidate five public institutions under its jurisdiction into two specialized agencies.

On the 7th, MFDS said it would restructure the functions of its public institutions to provide consumer-centered food and drug safety management that meets the public’s needs. The reorganization is part of a joint government plan to reform public institutions’ functions.

The Food Safety Information Service and the Center for Food Safety Management will merge as the Food Safety Policy Development Institute (provisional name). The Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management, the Korea Orphan and Essential Drug Center, and the Vaccine Safety Technology Support Center will be combined as the Korea Drug Safety Agency (provisional name).

In the food sector, the agency will expand the distribution of food hazard information to 238 regional meal management support centers nationwide (as of August 2026), extending its reach to meal service sites such as child care centers and senior welfare facilities. It will also establish a system to use hygiene and nutrition management data from meal service sites in policy development.

In the drug sector, a one-stop service will provide adverse event reporting and information on the introduction of alternative drugs in one place. Previously, patients had to contact the Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management for adverse event information and the Korea Orphan and Essential Drug Center separately about the introduction of alternative drugs.

Testing and analysis infrastructure and professional training services, previously limited to vaccines, will be expanded to cover all drugs, including innovative new drugs and advanced biopharmaceuticals.

MFDS plans to consult with the public institutions under its jurisdiction and proceed with developing a road map and amending relevant laws without disruption. It will also support the reorganized institutions in providing high-quality food and drug safety services.