Foods Produced by Recombinant DNA Techniques
The safety assessment of foods and food additives produced by recombinant DNA techniques (hereafter GM foods) is mandatory under the Food Sanitation Act. The MHLW examines how the transplanted genes behave and whether harmful elements are generated, for example, to comprehensively assess the safety of GM foods.
Procedure for Safety Assessment
The safety assessment of foods and food additives produced by recombinant DNA techniques (hereafter GM foods) is mandatory under the Food Sanitation Act. The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) receives application, and the Food Safety Commission (FSC) evaluates the safety of GM foods in terms of human health.
Lists of Products
- List of products that have undergone safety assessment and been announced in the Official Gazette[Excel: 80KB]
- List of products that are being evaluated[PDF: 260KB]
Monitoring Foods Produced by Recombinant DNA Technique
In order to prevent distribution of GM foods that have not been assessed in Japan, food products are analyzed at quarantines.
Labeling System of Foods Produced by Recombinant DNA Technique
Labeling System of Foods Produced by Recombinant DNA Technique was transferred to Consumer Affairs Agency.
Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology
The Task Force was established under the Codex Alimentarius Commission to develop international standards, guidelines, or other recommendations on foods derived from biotechnology. Japan has been hosting the Task Force since 2000.
Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology
- What is the Codex
Explanation about the Codex Alimentarius Commission - What is the TFFBT
Explanation about the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology (TFFBT) - Summary & Information
Summary of the TFFBT Sessions held in the past and Information on the next Session - Related International Conferences
Summary of international conferences related to the TFFBT
Link for Other Relevant Web sites
(1)Domestic Organization
- FSC(Food Safety Commission)
- MAFF (The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan)
- AFFRC (Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries Research Council)
- Innovative Technology Homeage
- Ministry of the Environment
- Biodiversity Center of Japan
- Biosafety
(2)International Organizations
- CODEX Alimentarius Commision
- Biotechnology
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations)
- Electronic Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture
- Risk Assessment: Biotechnology and Food Safety
- Electronic Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture
- OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development)
(3)USA
- FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
- USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
- Agribusiness and Cooperatives:Biotechnology
- EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
