Newsletter
Columns on Food Labeling/Regulations in Japan
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 »
Label Claims and Import/Export (Japan)
The transitional period of the guideline of additive labeling for use of ‘non-use’ (March, 2022)*1 ended at the end of March, 2024. During this period, there’s been a gradual change observed in the labeling of food products in stores in terms of changes made in accordance with the content of these guidelines. This article summarizes practical… more »
Fourth FY2023 Food Labeling Discussion Meeting And Third Discussion on Initiatives of Easy-to-understand Nutrition Facts held (Japan)
The fourth Fiscal 2023 Food Labeling Discussion Meeting The fourth Fiscal 2023 Food Labeling Discussion Meeting was held on the 7th of March, 2024. The document Draft Summary of Fiscal 2023 Food Labeling Discussion Meeting provides a summary of the discussions held in the first three meetings. Here are the main points of the document.… more »
Regarding Food Labeling Standards, Food Labeling Standards Q&A revised (Japan)-Addition of macadamia nuts and deletion of “matsutake mushroom” from the list of recommended labeling for allergens-
On March 28, 2024, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) announced revisions to Regarding Food Labeling Standards and Food Labeling Standards Q&A. The main contents of this revision include the addition of “macadamia nuts” and deletion of “matsutake mushroom” from the list of recommended labeling for allergens. The following is the summary of the main points… more »