,On 13 February 2026, Consumer Affairs Agency (Japan) issued Food Standards Notice No. 31, announcing a partial amendment to the handling rules for the “Standards and Criteria for Foods, Food Additives, etc.” related to utensils and containers/packaging under Japan’s positive list system. The notice updates transitional arrangements following earlier regulatory revisions (Cabinet Office Notification No. 95 of 2025 and related amendments), which introduced changes such as the deletion of certain use-specific standards. The new amendment formally extends and adjusts transitional measures to ensure a smoother implementation of the revised regulatory framework. It confirms that revised standards and testing methods will take effect from 1 June 2026, while allowing continued use of previous standards for certain utensils and packaging placed on the market before 1 June 2027. The notice also reiterates that partial or selective adoption of revised standards is not permitted, ensuring consistent application of testing requirements. Additionally, it clarifies provisions for testing institutions such as public health laboratories and quarantine stations. Where performance validation of newly defined testing methods has not yet been completed, institutions may continue operations provided appropriate quality control measures are in place. Overall, the amendment aims to ensure regulatory continuity, maintain food safety oversight, and support a structured transition to the updated positive list system for food contact materials in Japan.
Consumer News Region