Japan: Japan 220th Food Safety Group

On March 15, 2019, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) announced revisions to Japan’s Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for the following agricultural chemicals, veterinary drugs and feed additives: Cyanophos, Tetradifon, Tetraniliprole, Picoxystrobin, Bifenazate, Neomycin, Fluralaner and Tylosin. In addition, MHLW proposed the revision of analytical methods for Chlorpromazine. Furthermore, MHLW proposes a new designation of Dimethyl dicarbonate as a food additive as well as revision of specifications for the following food additives; Isomaltodextranase, Japanese persimmon color, Enju extract and dl-a-Tocopherol. Lastly, MHLW proposes withdrawal of 10 food additives from Japan’s list of existing food additives. The embassy comment period for these proposals is open until March 29, 2019. MHLW will then notify these revisions to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which will provide another opportunity for interested parties to comment.

Japan: Japan 220th Food Safety Group