Food labeling & Japanese Agricultural Standard
This website is developed for introducing the system on food labeling and standards for foods which provides useful information for consumers to choose their products.
The whole system is called the JAS System under the Law Concerning Standardization and Proper Labeling of Agricultural and Forestry Products (Law No.175, 1950) which governs all the agricultural and forestry products, except for liquors, drugs, quasi-drugs and cosmetics.
The JAS System consists of the combination of “the JAS Standard System” and “the Quality Labeling Standard System.
1. Quality Labeling Standard System
The Quality Labeling Standard System requires all producers, distributors and other parties to label in accordance with the Quality Labeling Standards established by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. All the Quality Labeling Standards are mandatory so that all foods sold for consumers shall be labeled in accordance with them.
2. JAS Standard System
The JAS Standard System refers to the certification system to attach the JAS marks to the products inspected in accordance with the JAS Standards established by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The JAS Standards are voluntary other than JAS Standards for Organic Foods. The only Certified Business Entities such as producers and manufacturers can attach JAS marks to the products.
Food Labeling
Food labeling is subject to under both the JAS Law and the Food Sanitation Law in terms of providing consumers with information of informed choices and protecting the health of consumers, respectively.
Based on the JAS Law, the Cross-Category Quality Labeling Standards are provided on the methods of labeling. Specific requirements are prescribed in Individual Quality Labeling Standards.
* Food Labeling for Fresh Foods
* Processed foods
* Genetically modified foods
Japanese Agricultural Standard
Standards for quality and production methods are provided for foods, beverages other than alcohols, and forestry products as Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS).
Products can carry JAS marks with the packages if they are graded by producers, manufacturers, distributors, or importers who are certified by third party organization.
The JAS marks guarantee the qualities of the products, which help consumers or users make choices.
The JAS is not a standard on food safety, HACCP or GAP. The JAS Standards are categorized as below:
1) General JAS with quality, such as composition, grading, performance; and
2) Specific JAS with production methods, such as organic foods and naturally grown chicken (“Jidoriniku”).
In order to attach JAS marks to their products, Business Entities such as producers and manufacturers shall be certified by Registered Japanese or Overseas Certifying Bodies. The Business Entities both in Japan and overseas are able to be qualified.
