Newsletter
Columns on Food Labeling/Regulations in Japan
Updates on food labeling for pre-packaged food products and the current situations of the Nutri-score labeling in the world
Eating habits are a form of culture that has the primary effect on the health profile of each country around the world. While some countries are struggling with constantly increasing rates of obesity and cardiovascular diseases due to excessive consumption of sugar and fat, others considered as healthy, however, are worrying about nutrient deficiency. For… more »
“Japanese Agricultural Standard for Miso” established (Japan)
On March 31, 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) newly established Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) for “Miso”. We would like to touch on its contents this time. Perhaps surprisingly, there was no JAS for Miso until this establishment. The reason for this is that there is a variety of Miso in Japan,… more »
Fact finding survey results on labeling for the country of origin of ingredients released (Japan)~and regarding improvement of the legibility of allergen labeling~
On March 28, 2022, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) published the “The FY 2021 Results of a fact-finding survey on new labeling system for country of origin of ingredients for processed foods”. New labeling system for countries of origin of ingredients started with the revision of Food Labeling Standards in September 2017, and the new… more »
“The guideline of additive labeling for use of ‘non-use'” released (Japan)
“The guideline of additive labeling for use of ‘non-use’” was released by the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) on March 30, 2022. The main changes from the content of “[Material 2] Revised and reflected version of the guideline” (revised draft after inviting opinions) used at “The 8th discussion about the guideline of additive labeling for use… more »
Names of marine products in Japan and other countries
The labeling of the name and place of origin of marine products has been taken up as a topic in recent years. In Japan, the labeling of such names is required to be made in accordance with the “The guidelines for the legal product names of seafood”. In other countries what kind of rules are… more »
“Japanese Agricultural Standards for Textured Soy Protein Products” established (Japan)~Notes on the labeling of plant-based foods~
On February 24, 2022, Japanese Agricultural Standards (hereinafter referred to as “JAS”) for Textured Soy Protein Products were established. On the same day, it was added to the JAS list on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and we would like to summarize the outline and key points for labeling below.… more »
The revised draft of the guideline of “non-use” additive labeling released after inviting comments (Japan)
On March 1, 2022, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) released the revised “the guideline of additive labeling for use of ‘non-use’”(draft) after inviting comments (public comments) at the discussion about the guidelines of additive labeling for use of “non-use”. Some points have been changed since the draft proposal for the request for comments, so we… 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 »
Regarding prohibited labeling items (Japan)
“Discussions about the guideline of additive labeling for use of ‘non-use’” have been held since this March to discuss the non-use labeling of food additives. And the other day, in “Confirmation of whether or not it falls under Article 9 of Food Labeling Standards”, 11 items by types were created for “non-use labeling of food… more »