“Japan Food Safety Management Association” was newly organized on Jan. 28, in a legal form of a general incorporated foundation, by 18 major companies of food processing and retail businesses.
By the end of this March, the Association hopes to create their own food safety standards which will effectively work in international business transactions. It also expects that these standards will not only be appreciated by overseas trading partners, but also be helpful for Japanese companies to boost their exports of food products and expand their businesses overseas.
The Association plays a key role in operating an entire system of food safety certification schemes under these standards. Certification and labelling services will start from April 2016. The Association will also file an application with the international body for authorization of their food safety standards in 2017.
Founders of the Association consist of two groups of food companies. The first group is represented by AJINOMOTO Co., Inc., Kikkoman Corporation and Kewpie Corporation, while the second one includes AEON CO., LTD. and Seven & i Holdings C0., Ltd.
(Jan. 29, 2016)