Japan’s food labelling rules keep changing: April and October 2026 revisions, digital labels under study
In April 2026 Japan revised its Food Labelling Standards, reviewing which items require allergy labels and tidying item-specific rules; in October the standards for foods with nutrient function claims were also revised. Uchida Yoko IT Solutions announced a free online seminar on these developments for November 17.
Key points
- April 2026: standards revised, with allergy labelling targets reviewed and item-specific rules reorganised
- October 2026: standards for foods with nutrient function claims revised
- Transition periods run to the end of March 2030 for the item-specific rules and the nutrient-function table changes
- Free seminar streamed on YouTube on Tuesday Nov 17; registration closes Nov 16 at 18:00
Background
According to the release, food labelling rules have been revised repeatedly in recent years and many items are now in transition periods that differ in length. Businesses are expected to work out the impact on their products and respond in a planned way.
Discussion has also begun on guidelines for digital food labelling such as QR codes, and labelling is being reviewed alongside tighter supplement rules. This is based on a private company’s seminar notice; check official sources such as the Consumer Affairs Agency for the rules themselves.
What it means for shops
Small food makers and shops that sell home-made processed foods, prepared dishes or gifts should check whether their packages and labels meet the new standards. Even within transition periods, switching packaging takes time.
What shops should do
- Check that allergy and other label content on your products matches the latest standards
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.