Japan Revises Food Additive Standards

Based on the provisions of Article 12 of the Food Sanitation Act, Difenoconazole has been added to Appendices Table No. 1 of the Ordinance. On Jun. 18, 2020, MHLW unveiled an amendment of “Standards and Criteria for Food and Food Additives, etc.” It mainly involves 11 food additives and 6 Pesticides and Veterinary Drugs in Food. On Jun. 18, 2020, MHLW released the revised version of “Japan’s Specifications and Standards for Food Additives (JSFA), 9th Edition."

Part 1 The revision of “Standards and Criteria for Food and Food Additives, etc.”

About additives:

Add Difenoconazole into Appendices Table No. 1, according to the "Food Sanitation Act” Article 12. The food additives in this table are considered to be harmless to the human body. This revision is implemented as of the release date.

Based on the "Food Sanitation Act” Article 13-1, the following food additives have been added or revised. Besides, if these additives are manufactured, processed, and imported within one year from the date of the announcement, they are not subject to the revised regulations.

Additives	State
Difenoconazole	Added
Iso-α-bitter Acids	Added
Higher fatty acids (caprylic acid, capric acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, behenic acid, myristic acid, and lauric acid)	Added
Calcium oxide	Added
Ethyl acetoacetate	Revised

As a result, the [C Reagents and Test Solutions, etc.] were revised too.

About pesticides and veterinary drugs:

The maximum residue limits of 6 pesticides and veterinary drugs in food are stipulated, including Iminoctadine, Difenoconazole, Thifluzamide, Permethrin, Benthiavalicarb-isopropyl, and Metyltetraprole.

The change came into effect on the date of promulgation. However, the MRLs for some substances will be effective six months after promulgation. Please click here for the details. (feel free to contact ChemLinked if you need a translation service)

Part 2 The revised contents of “JSFA, 9th Edition."

On Jun. 18, 2020, MHLW released an amendment mainly revising the following three parts.

D Specifications and Storage Standards for Individual Items

Thirteen substances' specifications and standards have been added. They are Argon, Isobutylamine, Isopropylamine, Isomaltodextranase, Japanese persimmon color, Dimethyl dicarbonate, Psicose epimerase, Sec-Butylamine, Propiconazole, Propylamine, Hexylamine, Pentylamine, and 2-Methylbutylamine.

Six substances' specifications and standards have been revised. They are Styphnolobium japonicum extract, Beta-galactosidase, Hypobromous acid, Dl-alpha-Tocopherol, and Fructosyl transferase.

E Production Standards

The extracts of spices (only those extracted from celery and steam distilled) in the "List of Existing Additives" have been removed.

F Standards for the Use of Food Additives

The standards for the Use of Isobutylamine, Isopropylamine, Dimethyl dicarbonate, Sec-Butylamine, Propiconazole, Propylamine, Hexylamine, Pentylamine, and 2-Methylbutylamine have been added.

The standards for the Use of Sodium selenite, Zinc gluconate, Copper gluconate, Biotin, Fludioxonil, Zinc sulfate, Aluminium ammonium sulfate, Aluminum potassium sulfate, and Cupric sulfate have been revised.

What is Japan’s Specifications and Standards for Food Additives (JSFA)?

The Food Sanitation Act requires the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare to prepare an official compilation of food additive specifications and standards, which contains compositional specifications for individual additives as well as standards for manufacturing and use of these additives. The compilation is updated every several years to introduce new and improved test methods commensurate with the progress in science and technology and achieve international harmonization of standards.