Japan | New Positive List System Explained | The Japanese Ministry of Health...
Japan
New Positive List System Explained
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) revised the Food Sanitation Law in May 2003 and implemented the “Positive List” system. This system went into effect May 29 and is aimed at prohibiting the distribution of foods that contain residues of agricultural chemicals above a certain level.
The Positive List allows 799 agricultural chemicals and provides guidelines for the use of those chemicals for products destined for Japan. Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) have been set for chemicals, and are usually expressed in parts per million. The MRL apply to pesticides, feed additives, and veterinary drugs that can remain in foods but are unlikely to pose adverse health effects when consumed.
Information for members on the Positive List and MRL, including the Japanese inspection protocol, violation results, sampling levels and issues to be aware of have been summarized in a report by the USMEF. Also included are actions being taken on the issue by the USMEF, as well as frequently asked questions with answers. See Positive List System and Imported Foods Monitoring Inspection for the full report.
USMEF Provides Summary on Box Inspection Issue
When the Japanese market reopened to U.S. beef on July 27, the Japanese government made “Zenpako Kensa,” or 100 percent box inspections by the importer, an additional requirement. It appears this system was implemented by the Japanese government as a political response to consumer and opposition party concerns that specific risk materials (SRMs) would be included in beef shipments from the United States.
Though politically expedient, this has placed a tremendous burden on the importers who generally do not have staff trained to identify SRMs in vacuum packed bags or in boxes. Most importers play it safe report anything out of the ordinary, including small bone chips and other minor imperfections. This delays shipments while they are being reviewed.
In addition to addressing this issue with Japanese officials, USMEF Japan staff has developed a summary of this situation for members. See 100 Percent Box Inspection (“Zenpako Kensa”) by Importer for the full summary.
Foodservice Buyers Attracted To U.S. Meat Products
More than 2,500 visitors at the Japan Foodservice Buyers Showcase in Tokyo on Nov. 21 had the opportunity to sample U.S. pork prepared yakiniku style and rediscover the taste and tenderness of U.S. beef.
USMEF attracted interest in its U.S. pork menu campaign by featuring samples of pork yakiniku, a Japanese style of cooking bite-sized meat over a burner. Visitors, including representatives from yakiniku and family restaurants, also sampled U.S. beef.
“Visitors appreciated the quality of U.S. beef and rediscovered its delicious flavor and tenderness,” said Satoshi Kato, USMEF Japan marketing specialist. “Although some said they were concerned about future supply and price, feedback was extremely positive.”
USMEF utilized its multi-faceted “We Care” campaign, which includes elements directed to the Japanese retail and foodservice trades to assure buyers that the product is safe and there is consumer demand.
Japan
New Positive List System Explained
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) revised the Food Sanitation Law in May 2003 and implemented the “Positive List” system. This system went into effect May 29 and is aimed at prohibiting the distribution of foods that contain residues of agricultural chemicals above a certain level.
The Positive List allows 799 agricultural chemicals and provides guidelines for the use of those chemicals for products destined for Japan. Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) have been set for chemicals, and are usually expressed in parts per million. The MRL apply to pesticides, feed additives, and veterinary drugs that can remain in foods but are unlikely to pose adverse health effects when consumed.
Information for members on the Positive List and MRL, including the Japanese inspection protocol, violation results, sampling levels and issues to be aware of have been summarized in a report by the USMEF. Also included are actions being taken on the issue by the USMEF, as well as frequently asked questions with answers. See Positive List System and Imported Foods Monitoring Inspection for the full report.
USMEF Provides Summary on Box Inspection Issue
When the Japanese market reopened to U.S. beef on July 27, the Japanese government made “Zenpako Kensa,” or 100 percent box inspections by the importer, an additional requirement. It appears this system was implemented by the Japanese government as a political response to consumer and opposition party concerns that specific risk materials (SRMs) would be included in beef shipments from the United States.
Though politically expedient, this has placed a tremendous burden on the importers who generally do not have staff trained to identify SRMs in vacuum packed bags or in boxes. Most importers play it safe report anything out of the ordinary, including small bone chips and other minor imperfections. This delays shipments while they are being reviewed.
In addition to addressing this issue with Japanese officials, USMEF Japan staff has developed a summary of this situation for members. See 100 Percent Box Inspection (“Zenpako Kensa”) by Importer for the full summary.
Foodservice Buyers Attracted To U.S. Meat Products
More than 2,500 visitors at the Japan Foodservice Buyers Showcase in Tokyo on Nov. 21 had the opportunity to sample U.S. pork prepared yakiniku style and rediscover the taste and tenderness of U.S. beef.
USMEF attracted interest in its U.S. pork menu campaign by featuring samples of pork yakiniku, a Japanese style of cooking bite-sized meat over a burner. Visitors, including representatives from yakiniku and family restaurants, also sampled U.S. beef.
“Visitors appreciated the quality of U.S. beef and rediscovered its delicious flavor and tenderness,” said Satoshi Kato, USMEF Japan marketing specialist. “Although some said they were concerned about future supply and price, feedback was extremely positive.”
USMEF utilized its multi-faceted “We Care” campaign, which includes elements directed to the Japanese retail and foodservice trades to assure buyers that the product is safe and there is consumer demand.