Japan Revises Food Labeling Standards

On July 16, 2020, Japan CAA announced the revision to the Food Labeling Standards. The most significant change is that CAA removes the terms "artificial" and "synthetic" used in the labeling of additives.

The wording of “artificial" & "synthetic" is no longer used to describe the food additives

According to the revision, terms of "artificial" and "synthetic" are removed from the indication name of sweeteners, colorants, preservatives and flavoring & fragrance. For example, “artificial sweetener” will be changed to “sweetener”, “artificial preservatives” will be revised as “preservatives”. This amendment came into effect since the date of promulgation and a grace period is given to Mar. 31^st, 2022.

Starting from 1989, all food additives are required to be indicated on the food package, regardless of whether they are synthetic or natural. However, these chemically synthesized additives might give a false impression that they are unhealthy, and the use of indication like “No synthetic preservative” also mislead the consumers that artificial food additives are not good. The fact is that whether food additives are "synthetic" or "natural," they can only be used after the government confirms their safety.

"Siroami Fugu" is removed from the list of standard Japanese names of Fugu.

The reason for the amendment is that there are multiple names of Fugu used in Japan and it will lead to wrong judgment of the toxicity of different puffer fish parts.

Organic livestock products are officially classified as special raw material and it should be underscored in the food labels.

Special raw material also include:

1. Products with specific place of origin;

2. Organic agricultural products, organic livestock products, organic processed foods;

3. Non-GMO (special labeling regulations) products

4. Products with specific manufacturing place;

5. Agricultural products produced by special cultivation methods;

6. Products with specific variety name;

7. Branded products

※"Special raw materials" refers to the food raw material having special features and they are subject to specialized labeling rules.