The Development of Flavor Regulations in Japan

Abstract

The authors reviewed the development of flavor regulations in Japan. Promulgated in 1900, the first flavor regulations in Japan only prohibited the use of "harmful flavoring substances" in soft drinks. However, since flavors were not widely used at the time and since no specific substances were identified in the regulations, flavors were effectively unregulated. The Food Sanitation Law was passed after World War II. Under this law, only those synthetic chemicals designated by the Minister of Health and Welfare can be manufactured, sold, imported, or used as food additives. The Enforcement Regulations of the Food Sanitation Law were promulgated on 1948. The regulations pioneered the use of positive list for synthetic food additives in the world. Flavors were listed primarily by chemical groups, such as aliphatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, ethers. That list was the first positive list of flavors in the world. Since 1959 the specifications and use restrictions have been developed for certain commonly used flavors. The specifications and use restrictions were complied in the First Edition of Japanese Standards for Food Additives (JSFA). Since the Food Chemicals Codex and JECFA Specifications had not yet been published, the JSFA was the first set of food additive specifications to be published in the world. The preparation of specifications for additional frequently used flavors has continued since 1959. The current editions of the JSFA contains specifications for 78 flavors. Government officials worked closely with industry to prepare them. New labeling regulations for food additives have been in force since 1991. The amended labeling regulations require that all additives used in foods be identified on food labels as a rule. However in case of flavors, collective term "flavor" is used. The safety of food flavors has been virtually unquestioned, since the amount of flavor added to foods is so small. Today, the evaluation of safety of flavors and other food additives have been continued in Japanese government agencies and in international organizations, such as JECFA. The current edition of the JSFA, the sixth edition, reflects the fact that this set of specifications has been revised five times since its initial publication. Since passage of the Food Sanitation Law, there have not been any serious violations or safety problems. When considering international harmonization, the government agencies and the flavor industry should work together.