Standards, Testing, Labelling and Certification

(1) Biotechnology

   MAFF established Labeling Standards for genetically modified (GM) foods, which are based on scientific and technical view points. To ensure feasibility of providing consumers with information on GM foods, MAFF considers that it necessary to introduce obligatory labeling system, which is consistent with WTO agreement, in feasible and verifiable manner. On the other hand, the MHW continues examining obligatory of labeling standards based on public comment from the view point of food sanitary.

(2) Dietary Supplement

   The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW) has been reviewing the distinction between pharmaceuticals and food, or how to place dietary supplements, in accordance with the government policy based on the recommendation of the OTO, taking into consideration the final report which was just issued by the study group. In April 2000, it implemented the measure in which items labelled as "food" are, in principle, not to be judged whether they are pharmaceuticals or not solely on the criteria of shape. It is incorrect to state that "some naturally occurring compounds, such as benzoic acid and sodium benzoic that are found in ginkgo biloba, are also considered food additives.

(3) Food Additives

   The Government of Japan has adopted positive list system on food additives, which is as same system as that other countries like the United States has adopted. Therefore, there is misunderstanding in the sentence "Japan's food additive regulations remain unique....". On March 1996, the Government of Japan established guidelines for request procedures for new designation of food additives and revision of usage standard, with receiving comments from countries concerned through WTO notification and so on. Japan faithfully copes with requests if those are in accordance with the guidelines. Therefore, this system is appropriate internationally. It is not true that "Japan is working to harmonize its national regulations to conform with the provisions of the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement."

(4) Pesticides Residue

   The MHW has already established residue standards for 199 pesticides at the end of March 2000. Consistent with international standards, Japan continues to establish new residue standards, after WTO notification, as required. Japan has made effort to provide related information by making public the result of safety assessments for each pesticide in the relevant joint subcommittee of the Food Sanitation Council.

(5) Veterinary Drugs

   The MHW establishes Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for veterinary drugs as soon as documents for evaluation of safety are available, and does not wait for CODEX establishing international standards. The MHW has, so far, established MRLs for 15 substances. In addition, the MHW will establish the standard for CTC/ OTC/ TC where CODEX does not have international standards.