Standard, Testing, Labeling and Certification

(1) Biotechnology

   The labeling on the foods produced using genetically modified organism (GMO) is being considered, by Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW) from the viewpoint of food sanitation and by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) from the viewpoint of consumer choices. The consideration reflects discussions and implementation in other countries, taking actual distribution of such foods into account. Japan will continue to promote the GMO technology.

(2) Dietary Supplements

   The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW) has been reviewing the distinction between pharmaceuticals and food, or how to place dietary supplements. It is groundless to state that the MHW "has fallen behind the schedule recommended by the OTO". The MHW has issued the guideline indicating the application procedures and documentational attachments required for the application. The MHW, as long as application is filed in accordance with the guideline, will sincerely examine the application for food additives contained in dietary supplements.

(3) Food Additives

   It is not true that "Japan is revising its Food Sanitation Law to bring its processes for assessing food additives into conformity with the WTO/SPS measures."

(4) Pesticides Residues

   The Japan is working to develop residue standards, with the intent to establish standards for at least 200 pesticides by the year 2000. In addition, Japan makes publicly available the result of safety assessments for each pesticide done by the relevant joint subcommittee of the Food Sanitation Council.

(5) Veterinary Drugs

   The MHW is ready to establish Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for veterinary drugs as soon as documents necessary to evaluate safety are available, not waiting for CODEX to adopt an international standard. The MHW has just established MRLs for four(4) substances such as spiramycin. In addition, in accordance with a priority list (revised in December 1998), the process to establish MRLs for other substances such as chlortetracycline (CTC) is now underway at the MHW.