Okay, here’s a detailed article about the update to the Functionality Labeling Food System Notification Database published by the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan on May 20, 2024 (JST).
Consumer Affairs Agency Updates Functionality Labeling Food System Notification Database (May 20, 2024)
On May 20, 2024, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan announced an update to its “Functionality Labeling Food System Notification Database” (機能性表示食品制度届出データベース). This database is a publicly accessible repository of information about foods with functionality labeling that have been notified to the CAA. The update, published at 6:00 AM (JST), signifies the ongoing maintenance and transparency efforts of the CAA regarding these types of food products.
What is the Functionality Labeling Food System (FLFS)?
The Functionality Labeling Food System (機能性表示食品制度, Kinousei Hyoji Shokuhin Seido) allows businesses to label foods with health claims based on scientific evidence, without requiring the pre-market approval process of “Foods for Specified Health Uses” (FOSHU, 特定保健用食品). However, businesses must notify the CAA before selling these products and provide scientific rationale supporting their claims. This system aims to provide consumers with more information about the potential health benefits of certain foods, allowing them to make more informed choices.
Key Aspects of the FLFS:
- Notification-Based System: Companies notify the CAA of their intention to sell a product with functionality claims. The CAA does not pre-approve these products like it does with FOSHU.
- Scientific Evidence Required: Companies must provide scientific evidence, typically in the form of clinical trials or systematic reviews, to support their functionality claims.
- Labeling Requirements: Specific labeling requirements ensure clarity and prevent misleading consumers. Labels must include details about the functional ingredient, its quantity, and the claimed health benefit.
- Responsibility of the Business Operator: The responsibility for the safety and efficacy of the product, as well as the accuracy of the labeling, rests with the business operator.
- CAA Monitoring: The CAA monitors the market for compliance and may take action against businesses that violate the regulations, including requiring labeling changes, suspending sales, or imposing penalties.
Importance of the Database Update:
The updated database is crucial for several reasons:
- Transparency for Consumers: It allows consumers to access information about foods with functionality claims, including:
- The name of the product
- The name and address of the notifying company
- The functional ingredient(s)
- The claimed health benefit(s)
- Scientific evidence supporting the claim(s) (usually summarized)
- Information on safety
- Information on intended use (dosage, etc.)
- Relevant warnings or precautions
- Market Surveillance: It allows the CAA to monitor the market for products with functionality claims and identify any potential issues, such as unsubstantiated claims or safety concerns.
- Fair Competition: It promotes fair competition among businesses by ensuring that all companies are subject to the same standards and requirements.
- Research and Development: Researchers and academics can use the database to analyze trends in the market and identify potential areas for further research.
What does the “Update” likely involve?
While the specific details of the update are not listed in the link provided, updates to this database typically include:
- New Notifications: Adding new products that have been notified to the CAA. This is the most common reason for an update.
- Amendments to Existing Notifications: Updating information for existing products due to changes in formulation, labeling, or scientific evidence.
- Withdrawals: Removing products that are no longer being sold or that have had their notifications withdrawn.
- Corrections: Fixing any errors or inaccuracies in the database.
How to Access the Database:
The database is accessible through the Consumer Affairs Agency’s website. While the specific URL to the database isn’t directly in the initial link, the link provided is a notification of an update to the database, so a simple search on the CAA’s website for “機能性表示食品制度届出データベース” will lead you to the actual database. (Note: The database is typically in Japanese).
In Conclusion:
The update to the Functionality Labeling Food System Notification Database is a routine but important event that reflects the ongoing operation of the FLFS in Japan. It underscores the CAA’s commitment to transparency and consumer protection, while also providing valuable information for businesses, researchers, and the public alike. Consumers interested in foods with functionality claims should consult the database to make informed decisions.
機能性表示食品制度届出データベース届出情報の更新 (5月20日)
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-05-20 06:00, ‘機能性表示食品制度届出データベース届出情報の更新 (5月20日)’ was published according to 消費者庁. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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