Japan Released a Supplementary Document to Ingredient Origin Labeling System

On July 21, 2017, Japan Consumer Affairs Agency issued the supplementary document related to the use of an origin labeling system for ingredients. The document details food subject to mandatory country of origin labeling for ingredients, labeling method etc.

According to the regulation, all processed foods made or processed in Japan are subject to the mandatory country of origin labeling for ingredients. The following exemptions apply:

• When setting up a facility to provide food and drinks (eating out)

• When selling food products at a place, where such products are made or processed (so called in-store processing)

• When distributing to an unspecified or a large number of people (excluding selling)

• When selling food without containers or packages

Though origin labeling is important for ingredients, it does not mean that a product requires each ingredient to be labeled with origin specifications. The document specifies that only the ingredient with highest concentration w/w is subject to mandatory labeling, for which the name of the ingredient and its country of origin are required to be labeled. Food additives are not subject to origin labeling requirements.

Please click here to see the detailed supplementary document