Trepidation about new Japanese food labels
Under the new system, companies are required to provide scientific evidence. The government said it will accept the results of document research, in which a company gathers research papers from around the world and comprehensively evaluates their data.
The expressions companies are allowed to use on their packaging will differ depending on how they provide such evidence.
Regarding the credibility of such scientific evidence, the Consumer Affairs Agency will promptly post the content it receives from companies on its website.
The agency plans to check product labeling and ingredients by conducting spot inspections and to set up a consultation counter for consumers. In case of problems, the agency said it can carry out on-site inspections and order recalls of the products in question.
Under this new system, companies that provide scientific evidence to the government can use labels that describe products' health benefits for specific parts of the body. The system covers a wide variety of food items, including processed food products, supplements and fresh food.
It is the third food labeling system to be introduced, following the tokuho system for specific health uses that requires government screening, and another system for food that contains nutrients at or above levels stipulated by the government.
Source: asiaone.com
