Category： Regulation Updates

Format Revision of the JAS (Japan)

Summary On August 23, 2023, the Council for the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) was held to discuss revisions of eight standards, including the JAS for Jams and the JAS for brewed vinegar. The main changes in this revision are as follows,  -the format of the JAS will be changed to the simpler one in accordance… more »

Labeling Method in Accordance with the Revision of the labeling system for genetically modified foods (Japan)

As of March 31, 2023, the transitional period for the revision of the conditions for the voluntary labeling of “non-GM” will end. This time, we have reviewed the revised labeling method. Main points of revision Notice:*1 Unintentional presence of material: Certain contamination of genetically modified agricultural products at a certain level even under proper IP… more »

Report on mandatory allergen labeling for walnut: The period of transitional measures is until March 31, 2025 (Japan) ~Summary on other future revisions and transitional measures~

On December 13, 2022, a report was submitted in response to a proposal for partial revision of Food Labeling Standards (such as mandatory allergen labeling for walnuts). According to the report, the transitional period from recommended to mandatory allergen labeling for walnuts is March 31, 2025. The partial revision is expected to be promulgated and… more »

Comments invitation on partial revision draft of Food Labeling Standards started ~Addition of walnuts to the list of Specified allergens (mandatory labeling items for allergens) and Addition of rapeseed producing EPA/DHA to the list of specified genetically modified agricultural products~(Japan)

On October 13, 2022, the Consumer Affairs Agency announced the start of invitation for public comment on the “Partial Revision of Food Labeling Standards.” The public comment was closed on November 12. Summary of the revision According to the public comment procedure, the outline of the revision draft is as follows. Revision of mandatory allergen… more »

Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for “Processed Food Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans” established (JAPAN)

On September 6, 2022, the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for processed foods suitable for vegetarians or vegans was established. It was added to the JAS list on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on the same day, and we would like to summarize the outline and key points for labeling below.… more »

Inviting comments started about the partial revision(draft) “Matters to be Noted relating to Health Foods under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations and the Health Promotion Act” (Japan)

On August 9, 2022, the Consumer Affairs Agency(CAA) prepared and announced a partial revision (draft) of “Matters to be Noted relating to Health Foods under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations and the Health Promotion Act”. From the same day until September 7, comments were invited through public comments. The purpose of the… more »

Regarding the partial revision of “Labeling standard for manufacturing method and quality for Sake” (Japan)

On July 19, 2022, the National Tax Agency issued a notice “Partial revision of the statutory interpretation on Liquor Tax Act and acts /regulations, etc. related to liquor administration (the notice on statutory interpretation). Labeling standard for manufacturing method and quality for Sake (National Tax Agency Notification No. 8 of 1989) was enacted in November… more »

Educational leaflets and posters “the guideline of additive labeling for use of ‘non-use'” released (Japan)

In June, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) has released educational leaflets and posters on “the guideline of additive labeling for use of ‘non-use’”on its website. In addition, “illustrations of 10 type items” are also posted on the website and I would like to focus on these in this column. The leaflets and posters were published… more »

Regarding plan for partial revision of food labeling standards (Japan)~Organizing nutrient analysis methods, adding genetically modified “Mustard greens” to the mandatory labeling list, etc.~Regarding plan for partial revision of food labeling standards (Japan)

On January 17, 2022, the 66th meeting of the Food Labeling Section Meeting was held at the Consumer Commission of the Cabinet Office to discuss the partial revision of Food Labeling Standards. After inviting opinions on the proposed revision regarding nutrients, genetic modification, etc. (from October 27 to November 26, 2021), the partial revisions are… more »

Comments invited comments about guideline draft of additive labeling for use of “non-use” (Japan)

The Consumer Affairs Agency started to invite comments (public comments) on “the guideline draft of additive labeling for use of ‘non-use’”on December 22, 2021. Since there are some changes in “Type items (draft) of non-use labeling of food additives that may cause misunderstandings” (discussion about the guideline of additive labeling for use of non-use) announced… more »