Abstract
Regulatory Science (RS) is an interdisciplinary science that supports the development and implementation of regulations by providing scientifically grounded evaluations and decisions to ensure public health, safety, and societal benefit, and it plays an equally important role in the food industry as it does in the pharmaceutical field. Reducing uncertainty, communicating with society, and ensuring international consistency are key to the practice of RS. Food additives play a role in improving the quality of life (QOL) and supporting modern society in terms of convenience. Japan's standards and regulations for food additives have evolved independently, but this is not necessarily a negative development, as it contributes to providing high-quality foods and preserving the country's food culture. However, international consistency has also become required recently, so striking a balance between uniqueness and international compatibility is essential. Collaboration among stakeholders and continuous communication will be increasingly essential for responding flexibly to social changes.
