Abstract
To prevent the distribution of foods produced using recombinant DNA techniques whose safety for human consumption has not been assessed, the Government of Japan has ordered a safety assessment to be carried out by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare under the Food Sanitation Law of April 1,2001. Under this law it is prohibited to sell and import GM foods whose safety has not been assessed for human consumption. The food sanitation inspectors of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) monitor foods at quarantine stations in order to ensure the safety of imported GM foods for human consumption.
