Japan Designated 2 New Food Additives and Revised MRLs for Several Agricultural Chemicals

On 15 May 2013, Japan MHLW added two new food additives, potassium lactate and potassium sulfate, to Table 1 of Food Sanitation Law Enforcement Regulations, substances in which are deemed as not injurious to human health and allowed to be used in foods. Meanwhile, the food manufacturers need to use them in line with corresponding specifications and standards along with precautions stated.

Maximum residue limits for a series of pesticides and a veterinary drug as listed below have been revised,

1. Alachlor

2. Kresoxim-methyl

3. Chromafenozide

4. Saflufenacil

5. Cyenopyrafen

6. Spiromesifen

7. Trifluralin

8. Fenbuconazole

9. Prosulfocarb

10. Penthiopyrad

11. Milbemectin

12. Metaflumizone

13. Flunixin

It is noted that part of amendments will be come into effect since 15 Nov 2013. 

The well-known Japan’s “positive list system for agricultural chemical residues in foods” was launched from 29 May 2006. Foods in which any agricultural chemical residues (including pesticides, feed additives, and veterinary drugs) are found of excessive level determined by the MHLW shall not be produced and imported. Simply, the MHLW manages the positive list system through the following ways:

• Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)

For chemicals already with MRLs, it is not allowed to produce or import foods containing over-the-limit residues.

• Uniform Limit

For chemicals without MRLs, a uniform limit has been established that is not to exceed 0.01ppm in foods.

• Exempted substances

The residue of those substances is proven to be harmless to human health so there are no limitations for them.