FOCUS: Japan to Introduce QR Code Food Labels to Improve Readability

Tokyo, May 17 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency plans to introduce a new food-labeling system that will enable consumers to scan quick response, or QR, codes on processed food packages to access detailed product information, including ingredients, on a webpage. After drawing up guidelines and making other necessary preparations, the agency aims to launch the system in late fiscal 2027 at the earliest. 2 Methods Under Japan’s food-labeling standards, packages of processed foods are required to display nine items, including the product name, ingredients and additives, to help consumers make safe and informed choices. Concerns have been raised, however, that adding more required items in the future could make labels overcrowded and difficult to read, limiting their usefulness. One possible solution is the use of QR codes. The adoption of digital technology for food labeling is also part of a broader international trend. In guidelines published in 2024, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international intergovernmental organization, called for efforts to ensure that key information, such as food names, safety and nutrition details, and other information designated by authorities, is not provided exclusively through digital tools. The same year, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency established a subcommittee on the use of digital tools for food labeling, made up of experts and other knowledgeable individuals. The subcommittee reviewed international trends, conducted hearings with business operators and examined ways to address technical issues. In December last year, the subcommittee concluded that the decision on whether to use digital tools should be left to the discretion of business operators. It proposed two ways to display labeling information digitally. Under the first method, consumers who scan a QR code would be taken directly to the product’s food-labeling webpage. Under the second method, they would first be taken to another page and asked to identify the product using information such as the expiration date or lot number. They would then be directed to the correct food-labeling page. Flexible Response According to the Consumer Affairs Agency, one of the greatest benefits of digitalization is that it allows the amount of information printed on packaging to be reduced, making labels easier to read. Consumers can then access related webpages where text can be enlarged or translated into foreign languages. These pages can also provide information beyond mandatory labeling requirements, including cooking videos and recipe suggestions. For businesses, digital labeling offers greater flexibility, particularly when raw material sources change due to international developments or other factors. It can also help reduce product recalls caused by outdated or incorrect packaging information, while improving traceability and making withdrawals more targeted when they do occur. Food-labeling data will be stored in databases maintained by business operators or in similar systems. To enable proper oversight by administrative authorities, businesses will be required to keep records of any revisions for a specified period. Although advertising on relevant webpages will not be prohibited, the subcommittee emphasized the need to prevent confusion between advertisements and food-labeling information. To ensure clarity, it recommended measures such as placing ads in clearly separate sections. Formulating Guidelines During the current fiscal year, which runs through March 2027, the agency will start drafting guidelines based on the subcommittee’s findings. These guidelines will outline matters such as how data should be entered and how records of revisions should be maintained. Once finalized, they will be published on the agency’s website. A key issue still under discussion is how to distinguish between information that must always appear on food packaging and information that could instead be provided digitally. The agency is expected to begin considering how to move the discussions forward as early as this summer, with plans to work out the details in line with Codex guidelines. Before introducing the system, the agency will hold briefing sessions for businesses to raise awareness. “Labels will become much easier to read, and we hope consumers will make good use of food labeling when choosing products,” an agency official said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]