1. Authorities

General Foods
Japan

This section provides an overview of the Authorities involved in setting regulations and in managing compliance with the food product in scope.

Ministry of Health Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) [1]

A competent authority responsible for policies and services on public health including food safety and hygiene, labor, and welfare. Related to frozen foods, this authority establishes standards and specifications for foods, packages, and manufacturing to ensure hygiene and safety, and monitors for compliance status of the standards and specifications. From April 2024, the MHLW’s duties to establish standards and specifications will be transferred to the CAA.

Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) [2]

A competent authority responsible for consumer policies including food labeling and advertisement. From April 2024, the CAA will take over the MHLW’s duties to establish standards and specifications.

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) [3]

A competent authority responsible for economic, industrial, and trade policies including the “3R” (meaning reduce, reuse, recycle) policy.

1.1 References

1. Website of the MHLW (in English)

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/english/index.html 

2. Website of the CAA (in English)

https://www.caa.go.jp/en/ 

3. Website of the METI (in English)

https://www.meti.go.jp/english/index.html