Japan Relaxes Food Labeling Regulatory Requirements during COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Japanese food manufacturers have had to change their production processes or use different food ingredients. These changes inevitably lead to discrepancies between the contents indicated on the food labels and the actual composition of the food.

1. Online Declarations Now Accepted

In accordance with an announcement jointly issued by MAFF and CAA ^[1], if the information of the following items is inconsistent with the real condition, the enterprises should publish the actual information through announcements or websites.

 This rule applies to labeling of:

•   Raw materials - Applicable to both raw material produced domestically and imported, and used in both fresh food and processed food.

•  Raw material origin

•  Additives

•  Nutrition content

•  Manufacturer

•  Processing factory

In addition, it’s not necessary to notify “any changes in raw materials that may cause errors in nutrition (calorie) value” if the value is still within the error range. However, if the validity of nutrition (calorie) value is unclear, it should be notified. 

2. The labeling of manufacturer information is adjusted

CAA released manufacturer labeling method ^[2], which mainly involves the labeling of manufacturer and manufacturer Identification code.

When food products are manufactured (or processed) at a different manufacturer from the one indicated in the label, as an exception, enterprises should submit the attached notification to Food Labeling Division of CAA.

Manufacturer labeling

•   Notification Form - Form No. 1

Manufacturer Identification code labeling

•   Notification Form - Form No. 2  (manufactured in own factories)

•   Notification Form - Form No. 2  (outsourced to other factories)

Attention

Operators who make declarations based on this notice should provide guidance on answering the name and location of the actual manufacturer if consumers inquire about the manufacturer, the manufacturer code, etc. ,. In addition, if enterprises need information such as the actual manufacturer, please consult the Food Labeling Division of CAA.