Japan Revises the Inspection Method for Food and Beverage & Oils and Fats

On June 17, 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan updated the information about the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS), which is an amendment to the Inspection Method for Food and Beverage & Oils and Fats. The amendments, involving the scope, normative references, terms and definitions, and inspection method, became effective upon its publication.

Major revisions

1. Scope

This inspection method applies to "food and beverages" and "oils and fats" shown in [Attachment A] by certified domestic and overseas* dealers. Currently, the margarine, shortening, refined lard, as well as edible refined and processed oils and fats have been removed from Attachment A, so this inspection method is no longer applicable to them.

*As stipulated by Order of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in accordance with the provision of Article 30 (1) of the Act on Japanese Agricultural Standards, an overseas product handler with a certification from an accredited certification body or accredited overseas certification body for each overseas farm, factory, or business site and each type of agricultural and forestry product, may evaluate whether or not the products pertaining to the relevant certification comply with the relevant Japanese Agricultural Standard, and then affix a grade label to the relevant product, its package, container, or invoice.

In case of that, MAFF released the Inspection Method for Margarine, Shortening, Refined Lard and Edible Refined and Processed Oils and Fats on the same day. Overseas dealers shall ensure that products follow the latest compliance requirements.

2. Inspection method

• Revised the proportion extracted during evaluation and the grading standard related to the inspection;

• Among the products of the certified dealer's factory, the Inspection Method elaborates the inspection requirements for the mass production line specified in the certified technical standards for the product.