2020 Volume 78 Issue Supplement Pages S80-S90
Objective: This article aimed to review the Japanese regulation of the food labelling systems for health and nutrition, and associated role of the National Institute of Health and Nutrition (NIHN).
Methods: We investigated the development of standards and challenges associated with the Japanese regulation of food labelling system for health and nutrition. We also examined the contribution of the National Institute of Health and Nutrition to the development of the systems.
Results: In 1991, the Ministry of Health and Welfare established the concept of Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU), under the Nutrition Improvement Act. In 2001, the labelling system for vitamins and minerals was established under the Foods with Nutrient Function Claims regulations, and the Foods with Health Claims (FHC) system was set up with FOSHU. In 2015, the Foods with Function Claims classification was established under the Food Labelling Act by the Consumer Affairs Agency. Despite the regulated food labelling system in Japan, some "health foods" may have inappropriate use and labelling. The NIHN functions to (1) measure the amount of nutrients and ingredients in foods, ensuring accurate information on the labels for approval by the foods labelling system; (2) assesses safety and efficacy of health foods including FHC providing scientific evidences on their nutritional and physiological effects; and (3) provide reliable online information regarding health foods, the FHC and their labelling.
Conclusions: The NIHN has an important role within the regulation systems of health foods including FHC system in Japan.
