Japan Revises Food Additive Standards and Pesticide Residue Regulations

On Jan.15,2020, Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced the revision to “Ordinance for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act" and "Specifications and Standards for Food and Food Additives." Details are as follows:

Ordinance for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act

Dimethyl decarbonate (DMDC) is newly added into the food additive list. The change came into effect on the date of promulgation.

Specifications and Standards for Food and Food Additives

About additives:

Specified the usage requirements of Dimethyl decarbonate (DMDC), Isomalto-dextranase, and Japanese persimmon color.
Revised the specification of Enju extract and dl -α-tocopherol.

About pesticides and veterinary drugs:

The maximum residue limits of 6 pesticides and veterinary drugs in food are stipulated, including Amisulbrom, Gentamicin, Cyenopyrafen, Cymoxanil, Zoxamide, Furametpyr. Please click here for the details. (feel free to contact ChemLinked if you need translation service)

This revision is implemented as of the release date. However, the MRLs of substances listed in the following table will be effective after six months since the promulgation.

Pesticides	Food
Amisulbrom	Melon(peel), Orange(peel)
Gentamicin	Muscle, fat, liver, kidney,( chickens and other poultry)
Cyenopyrafen	Watermelon(peel), Melon(peel), Orange(peel), peach(peel,seed)
Cymoxanil	Garden peas, Cabbage, Artichoke, Melon(peel), Oriental melon(peel), Sunflower seed, Spice
Zoxamide	Potatoes, Watermelon(peel), Melon(peel), Sunflower (seed)

Additionally, Isomalto-dextranase and Japanese persimmon color, which were manufactured, processed, or imported within one year of the date of the notification, are not subject to the revised regulations. Enju extract and dl -α-tocopherol, manufactured, processed or imported within one year from the date of the notification, are subject to original standards.