South Korea secured a major win at the Codex Alimentarius Commission on Monday, with kimchi’s main ingredient formally now listed as “kimchi cabbage” in the global standard.

The change replaces the long-used label “Chinese cabbage,” giving Korean producers a clearer identity marker in international trade.

Officials said the update will strengthen Korea’s status as the home of kimchi and allow exporters to highlight the product's uniqueness.

The Codex meeting also approved the establishment of worldwide standards for dried, roasted and seasoned dried seaweed, called “gim” in Korean, reflecting rising global consumption.

Seoul was additionally selected to lead the Codex committee for processed fruits and vegetables, boosting its influence on future food standards.