The Consumer Affairs Agency has decided to allow all food products to be labeled as having health benefits to certain parts of the body starting next fiscal year, provided that producers offer scientific evidences, it was learned Friday, July 18.
Under the new system, food manufacturers will be able to specifically label their products as being effective in helping maintain the health of eyes or bones for example.
As for agricultural products, items with well-grounded health benefits are currently limited to such products as tangerines and green tea. In order to utilize the system to boost sales, it will be necessary to clarify functions of more food items.
The agency on Friday submitted a draft plan for the new system to a panel of experts and received approval.
At present, manufacturers can list health benefits of food products under two systems. One is labeling of nutrient function claims which are limited to vitamins and minerals, and the other is “tokuho,” meaning food with specified health uses, which allows makers to put labels on items judged by the agency as effective in promoting better health, such as helping digestion.
Companies, particularly small and midsize firms, are not so enthusiastic about marketing products in the two existing segments due chiefly to the limited scope of ingredients that can be claimed to be good for health, and also because of overly stringent and costly screening of products.
The new system will enable companies to label their products under their own responsibility without the government’s permission, although they will have to report the safety and effectiveness of the products to the agency before putting them on sale, presenting scientific evidences based on research papers and clinical studies. They will also be asked to set up customer service centers in case any health problems come up after their products are consumed.
“All sorts of health foods are already marketed, and the new system should be something that clearly guarantees their safety and functionality on scientific grounds,” said Yasuko Kono, Secretary-General of All Japan Consumer Groups’ Liaison Association and a member of the panel, calling on the agency to be cautious in establishing the system.
(July 19, 2014)