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Food Safety in Japan
Information on Food Safety in Japan
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
The Japan Food Chemical Research Foundation
The purpose of the administrative work concerning food safety is to protect the health of the public through the strengthening measures for the assurance of food safety.
Read it all HERE :
http://www.ffcr.or.jp/zaidan/FFCRHOME.nsf/pages/e-lists-test
Reference
. WASHOKU
Food safety in Japan, January 2009
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In June 2000, products of Snow Brand Dairy, at the time the largest dairy company in Japan, resulted in many cases of food poisoning, which forced the company to recall their products and decrease their activities. This led to layoffs of workers on an extensive scale and a decline in the working conditions. In January 2002, a meatpacking company, Snow Brand Foods, was forced out of business after it was revealed the company had falsely claimed meat being sold as locally produced was actually imported. Hundreds of workers lost their jobs.
In January 2007, Fujiya, a major confectionary company in Japan was discovered to be selling confectionaries produced with milk past its expiry date. This triggered grave concerns and shook consumer confidence in food safety and security. After this case, a series of incidents of false labeling on meat products was revealed. These incidents took place in both unionised and non-unionised companies.
Food Rengo, an IUF-affiliated federation in Japan representing workers in the food and beverage sector, sees a necessity in restoring the credibility of the entire food and beverage sector. However, the union also sees these incidents as proof that food safety and food security are not just issues of concern to consumers, but vital for protecting employment and working conditions. For a number of years, during the months of June and July (the period when most food poisoning in Japan occurs) Food Rengo specifically campaigns around food safety and security through awareness-raising among its members.
Reed more HERE
source : asianfoodworker.net
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Nippon Shoku no Anzen Rankingu
ニッポン食の安全ランキング
(Ranking of Japanese Food Safety)
Martin J Frid
(Kodansha May, 2009)
ISBN：978-4-06-214970-9
CLICK here for PHOTOS !
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May 2015 - Japan Times
New food labeling requires care
The Consumer Affairs Agency introduced in April a new labeling system for food products with enhanced health-boosting properties. Under the system, newly certified products called kinou-sei hyoji shokuhin — literally food with functions indicated — are expected to hit the market in June. Their explanatory notes will state health benefits in a clear manner, making it easier for consumers to choose the products they want. But consumers buying products carrying the designation should keep in mind that the health benefits have not been independently tested and certified by the government.
So far, food makers have been allowed to indicate the health effects of their products on labels for two types of products — items that can be used for boosting the intake of particular types of vitamins or minerals, with notes explaining which vitamins or minerals they contain and what effects the vitamins or minerals have, and items called tokuho, short for tokutei hoken-yo shokuhin (food with specified health uses). Under the tokuho system, the makers need to carry out research to prove that their products have certain effects. They can get the tokuho designation only after the government examines the research outcome and determines that the results are reliable.
The new labeling system was introduced as part of the Abe administration’s move to push deregulation in the market of food products. Because the designation under the tokuho system takes a lot of time and money, it is often difficult for small and medium-size producers to obtain the designation for their products. To help overcome this problem, the administration borrowed an idea from a system in use in the United States.
Under the new system, manufacturers first compile reports on the effects of their products either by carrying out clinical tests or by having experts review existing scientific papers on the benefits of their ingredients in accordance with the Consumer Affairs Agency’s guideline. They then submit the reports to the agency. If the agency accepts the reports, the companies can put the products with labels carrying the designation on the market after waiting 60 days. The agency will put the reports from the makers on its website. But elderly consumers who are not Net-savvy may have difficulty finding the relevant information.
The new labeling system covers not only processed foods but also perishable foods, although alcoholic beverages won’t be covered. The makers will be prohibited from claiming on the labels that the products can prevent certain diseases or have curative effects.
As early as June, consumers will encounter food products carrying such expressions as “holds down fat absorption,” “slows down sugar absorption” or “helps the liver to function better.” But designated products will also state that they have not been independently tested by the Consumer Affairs Agency. Shoppers should remember that the government doesn’t guarantee the products’ effects and safety. Consumers who want to verify such information will have to do their own research.
Consumer groups are critical of the new system because it leaves important matters, including product safety, to producers. Earlier this month, a problem cropped up concerning the new system. The food safety panel of the Cabinet Office determined that the safety of an ingredient in a beverage for which the producer applied for the tokuho designation could not be confirmed. However, the Consumer Affairs Agency had accepted a supplement using the same ingredient under the new system. This kind of discrepancy damages the trustworthiness of the government’s labeling systems.
The agency should take effective steps to prevent food products that could pose health hazards from receiving the new designation, and consumers should remain vigilant.
機能性表示食品 kinosei hyoji shokuhin
- source : www.caa.go.jp/foods - PDF -
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The food-safety label Problems in November 2009
Contaminated rice for human consumption
Shiitake mushrooms from China
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Things found on the way
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Related words
***** WASHOKU : General Information
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