In Japan and other advanced countries, regulations of nutrition labeling have been already introduced according to Codex Guidlines. As, recently, international interests on functions of food components are increased, many countries have considered to introduce the health claim labeling.
Japanese government has established the health claims on foods from the standpoints of the international harmonization and increased informations for consumers. This labeling is named “Food with Health Claims”, composed of “Food Specified for Health Use” and “Food with Nutrient Function Claims” . These foods are also permitted as tablet, capsule and so on as forms like drug. The former is granted for individual food by judging committee in the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour and the latter is submitted to the rule of labeling shown by the Ministry.
The health claims must be based on sound and accurate scientic criteria. On the other hand, consumers are desired to consider the importance of usual diets and carefully use these foods.
