What has changed for Foods with Function Claims? | 3 revisions to the notification system

On supplement shelves at drugstores, you may see packages labeled “Foods with Function Claims.”

Surprisingly few people know what this label means. And following the 2024 red yeast rice supplement case, the contents of the system changed.

First, the premise of this system

According to the Consumer Affairs Agency, Foods with Function Claims are as follows.

Based on rules established by the national government, business operators submit required information, including scientific evidence on the safety and functionality of the food, to the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency before sale, by filing it, and are then able to display functionality under this system

What matters is The point is that this is “filing,” not “passing a government review” This is the key point. Filing must be completed at least 60 days before the date of sale.

This is the decisive difference from Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU).

Change 1: Reporting of Health Damage Became Mandatory

The following has been stipulated as a compliance matter for filing parties.

• Collect information suspected of involving health damage
• If such information is obtained, provide it promptly to the prefectural governor or other relevant authority
• and also provide it to the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency

In other words, a mechanism was introduced to prevent information from stopping within the company.

Change 2: GMP Became Mandatory for Supplement Forms

Supplements that make function claims-- foods in tablet, capsule, or similar form that use naturally derived extracts and similar ingredients as raw materials --are subject to manufacturing control based on GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) which has been stipulated as a compliance matter for filing parties under the Food Labeling Standards.

Unlike ordinary foods, tablets and capsules contain concentrated ingredients. Variations in the manufacturing process become variations in the contents themselves.

Change 3: Scientific Findings After Filing Are Also Considered

It has been stipulated that, if scientific findings after the filing date have developed regarding a functional ingredient, and the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency recognizes that it is not appropriate to display a claim that a specific health purpose can be expected, the food does not meet the requirements for Foods with Function Claims.

In other words, if the basis for the notification later becomes questionable through subsequent research, the labeling can no longer be continued.

Where should consumers look?

We have written at length about the system, but the practical conclusion is simple.

Anyone can search the filing details for Foods with Function Claims in the Consumer Affairs Agency database. The filing items include the basis for safety and functionality, manufacturing and quality control, and even the system for collecting information on health damage.

There is no longer any need to judge based only on the catchphrases on the package.

Our Position

Value Village currently does not carry Foods with Function Claims. This article is not an advertisement for our own products, but is intended to help you understand how the system works in total.

The same can be said of cosmetics. All ingredients are required to be listed in descending order of amount used. If you understand the system, you can verify the words used by the seller.

References: Consumer Affairs Agency, “About Foods with Function Claims,” “Guidelines on Notifications for Foods with Function Claims,” and materials from the “Briefing Session on the Foods with Function Claims System”
※This article explains the system and is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. If you have concerns about your physical condition, please consult a medical institution.

—The Value Village Editorial Team