Japan Expands Scope of Substances Subject to Voluntary Allergen Labeling to Include Almonds

On Sep. 19^th, 2019, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency announced the revision of the “Food Labeling Standard”. Under new requirements the presence of almonds in food will be subject to voluntary labeling. The addition of almond to the list of ingredients subject to voluntary allergen labeling brings the total number to 21. The list includes:

There are both mandatory and voluntary allergen labeling requirements in Japan. The substances subject to mandatory labeling include egg, milk, peanut, wheat, buckwheat, shrimp/lobster, and crab. With reference to “Food Safety Law”, food products without correct allergen labeling will be recalled and must undergo rectification prior to subsequent retail.

Please click here for more detailed analysis on Japanese allergen labeling.