Newsletter
Columns on Food Labeling/Regulations in Japan
Tag Archives: Japan
Regarding non-use labeling of food additives (Japan)
About one year and a half has passed since the Guidelines for use of “No Food Additive Used” labeling* of food additives was published. I would like to summarize again the outline of the guidelines and how to check the contents of the labels according to them.* i.e. labels such as “No XX-used” (where XX… more »
Guidelines for Notification of Foods with Function Claims partially revised (Japan)
On September 29, 2023, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) announced the partial revision of the Guidelines for Notification of Foods with Function Claims (FFC) ([For food-related business operators] About notification of FFC). As outlined in the partial revision draft for Guidelines for Notification of FFC (Summary), the major points of the revision are compliance with… more »
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 »
Future of allergen labeling (Japan) (Consideration of adding macadamia nuts to the list of recommended labeling)
The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) held the 5th Advisors’ Meeting on Food Allergen Labeling in June 14, 2023. After making walnuts obligatory for the allergen labeling in March this year, the CAA published a policy plan to add “macadamia nuts“ to and remove “matsutake mushrooms“ from the list of recommended labeling for allergens in the… more »
Request for re-verification of notified documents for Foods with Function Claims issued (Japan)
On July 3, 2023, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) requested in writing that relevant organizations re-verify the scientific evidence for Foods with Function Claims (FFC), and the reverification request has already been notified to and made public by CAA (Re-Verification of Notification Documents Concerning FFC (Request)). Furthermore, CAA published the Measures for FFC based on the… more »
Agricultural products with food chain information newly set in JAS (Japan)
The Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for agricultural products with food chain information was enacted on March 30, 2023 and came into effect on April 29, 2023. Background Establishing the Smart Food Chain Platform (SFP), which is a platform for linking a series of data on agricultural products from production to sales, enables the setting of… more »
Recent Food Labeling Trends on Sustainability
Recently, sustainability has been the motive behind some new movements and legislations. Sustainability in the food industry includes various different aspects, and in this newsletter, we will explore two prevalent food labeling regulations trends that focus on food waste and plastic circular practices of foreign countries, particularly the EU and Korea. We would like to… more »
“Fair Trade Conference for Olive Oils” newly established and its Code added to Fair Competition Codes (Japan)
The Code for the labeling of “Extra virgin olive oils” was approved to be included in Fair Competition Codes on February 17, 2023, and a public notice was issued on March 22, 2023, pursuant to Paragraph 4 of the same Article. Background According to the international standards of the International Olive Council (hereinafter referred to… more »
Research and practical points for food standards on such as additives, food labeling for exports from Japan
(*This article is mainly aimed at companies in Japan, but can also be used as a reference for any companies doing export (including to Japan).) In this article, we would like to inform you of research and practical points for food standards regarding mainly additives, food labeling among other topics for exports from Japan. (Content… more »
Mandatory allergen labeling for walnuts and others:“Food Labeling Standards”, ”Regarding Food Labeling Standards”, ”Food Labeling Standards Q&A” Revised (Japan)
On March 9, 2023, the Consumer Affairs Agency(CAA) announced revisions to “Food Labeling Standards”, “Regarding Food Labeling Standards”, and “Food Labeling Standards Q&A”. The main revisions include the mandatory labeling of allergens for walnuts and the addition of rapeseed producing EPA / DHA* to the list of specified genetically modified agricultural products**. In this article,… more »