Newsletter
Columns on Food Labeling/Regulations in Japan
Trends in the revision of standards for allergen labeling in various countries
More than six months have passed since Japan ‘s Food Labeling Standards were revised on March 28, 2024, adding macadamia nuts to the list of recommended allergen labeling items (while also removing matsutake mushrooms). Since the number of 28 items (8 mandatory and 20 recommended) remains the same, it is difficult to see the changes… more »
Key points to keep in mind when Making Environmental Claims on Food Labeling in the United Kingdom
In July 2024, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (Below we refer to it as the ASA) published “Environmental claims in food advertising,” which provides advice on making environmental claims on meat, dairy, and plant-based food labeling. The following is a brief overview of the advice. A recent consumer survey conducted by ASA on environmental claims… more »
Food Labeling Standards partly amended in relation to FFC (Japan)
Note: This article discusses the changes in Japan FFC systems, following the Beni-Koji Incident that happened earlier this year. On August 23, 2024, a partial amendment to the Food Labeling Standards (Japanese) has been published (some of which came into effect on September 1). The following are excerpts of the outline of the amendment organized… more »
Call for public comment on draft notification to make GMP mandatory in accordance with the revision of the system for FFC (Japan)
On July 12, 2024, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) began soliciting opinions on the standards for the manufacture or processing of tablets, capsules, and other Foods with Functional Claims (FFC) that Use natural extracts as ingredients (draft) (Japanese). The public comment was closed on August 16th. The draft notice is based on the decision made… more »
Outline of the Cabinet Office Ordinance (Draft) to partially amend Food Labeling Standards in accordance with the revision of the system for FFC (Japan)
Note: The current system of foods with functional claims (FFC) is summarized in a leaflet in English. The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) recently solicited opinions on the Cabinet Office Ordinance (Draft) (Japanese) to partially amend the Food Labeling Standards (Japanese) in accordance with the revision of the system for FFC. (from June 27 to July… more »
Review of labeling rules for each individual item started (Japan)
In Japan there are two types of mandatory labeling standards. On May 29, 2024, the 1st Subcommittee on Reviewing Labeling Rules for Each Individual Item* (Japanese) (hereinafter referred to as “the Subcommittee”) was held. Subsequently, the 2nd Subcommittee (Japanese) was held on June 18. This time, we would like to summarize the review of labeling… more »
Newsletter on the Recent WG FS Proposal on Food Supplements
WG FS Proposal: Restriction or Ban on 13 Substances The Heads of European Food Safety Agencies (HoA) have recently released a significant report from their working group on food supplements (WG FS). The report proposes restrictions or bans on 13 substances commonly used in dietary supplements. This initiative aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure… more »
Overseas trends in revisions of food labeling standards and regulations
1. Labelling claims on nutrition facts in Taiwan On February 19, 2024, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the partial amendment on Matters to be Complied with in the Nutrition Claims of Packaged Foods(Chinese), (some of which were implemented on the same day and the rest will come into effect on January 1, 2026).… more »
“Future Measures Regarding FFC Labeling System in response to the Case* Involving “Beni Koji” Supplements” (Japan)
On May 27, 2024, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) released the “Report of Discussion on Foods with Functional Claims (FFC)(Japanese). Subsequently, on May 31, Future Measures Regarding FFC Labeling System in response to the Incident Involving Red Koji Supplements(Japanese). was published as the materials for the Ministerial Meeting on Measures Regarding Red Koji-Related Products(Japanese). *… more »
JAS for Agricultural products with food chain information revised (Japan)
On March 29, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced the partial revisions to the the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for agricultural products with food chain information, and the partial revisions to the JAS for soybean milk and related products. On April 10, 2024, the revision to the JAS for dried fish… more »