Abstract
The purpose of this study is to focus on how the fish processing industry located in coastal areas of the Seto Island Sea has adopted the food chain approach. The division of labor has been a widespread phenomenon in the food manufacturing industry, along with controlling food safety on the flow 'farm to table' becoming a global concern. Fish processing companies have adopted process conformity rather than product conformity in their plants, with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points together with other food safety control methods put in place. Case studies on three fish processing companies were conducted regarding how they introduced and developed the food chain approach. The study concluded that these companies have successfully attained the process conformity, but their raw materials suppliers have not yet achieved such reforms (except for one company). It is necessary to consider how to extend the food chain approach to producers and primary level processers.
