Japan Revises the Specification Requirement for Additives, including Storage Standard and Use Limit

On November 5, 2024, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) issued an amendment to the Specification and Standards for Food, Food Additives, Etc. According to the amendment, five additives’ specification were revised. The details are as follows:

Modification of the Lower Storage Temperature Limit for Dimethyl Dicarbonate

The lower storage temperature limit for Dimethyl Dicarbonate (20°C) has been removed, allowing for storage and transportation under refrigerated and frozen conditions. However, since the upper limit remains unchanged at 30°C, stakeholders are advised to continue exercising careful temperature management, especially during the summer months.

Deletion of Use Requirements for Additives

With the removal of the usage standards for Methyl Cellulose, the usage standards for carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, and sodium starch glycolate have also been revised corresponding. The deletions are highlighted in red:

Although the usage standards for Methyl Cellulose have been removed, it is essential to implement proper manufacturing process management to ensure that the amount used does not exceed the necessary level to achieve the intended effect in food products.