Japan: Japan Set to Modify its GE Food Labeling System

On March 14, 2018, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency held its tenth, and final, Expert Committee panel discussion for the review of Japan’s genetically engineered (GE) food labeling requirements. The committee members agreed to maintain Japan’s current identity preservation (IP) system, but will recommend new language be used to identify IP product in lieu of the previously acceptable “Non-GE” label. The committee also suggested the term “Non-GE” now only be allowed when GE is nondetectable (effectively establishing a zero tolerance for GE components). Japan remains a country which receives major benefits from agricultural biotechnology for its food security. It relies on imports for almost 100 percent of its corn supply and 95 percent of its soybean supply.

Japan: Japan Set to Modify its GE Food Labeling System