Proposal and discussion of policy considerations for expansion of function claims to drive better consumer understanding of dietary supplement benefits in Japan (632.20)

Abstract

The regulatory symposium held in Japan in October 2013 brought together government, scientists, consumer groups and industry to discuss options for a regulatory framework for functional claims based on international trends and in response to recent decision of the Cabinet to promote expansion of claims as one way to stimulate the Japanese economy. The symposium drew more than 200 participations with speakers from Japan that included Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) responsible for developing the regulations for claims, several key members from the Regulatory Reform Committee including Deputy Director of the Cabinet, and 4 additional international speakers to compare US, EU and ASEAN. The information was well received with many questions. It was clear that the Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan called for introduction of “food with functional labeling” by the year 2015, would cover all foods including dietary supplement, processed food and agricultural and fishery products with functional claims. CAA is now investigating how the system should be set up that “describes functionalities based on scientific evidence and evaluation under corporate responsibility” and will refer to the US dietary supplement labeling system as a starting basis. CAA recognizes that there may be differences in Japan to accommodate for their situation and desire for functional claims to cover more than supplement products.