A government panel is reviewing the system that allows foods to be labeled with specific health benefits, following deaths and hospitalizations of users of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s nutritional supplements who beni koji (red yeast rice).
With the aim of drawing up measures to overhaul the system of ‘foods with function claims’ by the end of May, members of the Consumer Affairs Agency’s expert panel are focusing on ensuring the safety of functional foods and clarifying standards for reporting health damage.
Under the system, makers can gain permission to make such claims by reporting predetermined scientific evidence regarding safety and functionality to the agency only.
