Japan's Health Food System: The Differences Between FOSHU and Global Rules
There are many foods and supplements around us designed to help maintain our health. In 1991, Japan introduced a system known as "Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU)." These are foods that the government has recognized as having expected health benefits based on scientific evidence.
On the other hand, the United States enacted the "Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)" in 1994. This law allows for the sale of health foods based on a philosophy that differs slightly from that of Japan. Experts continue to debate how the differences between the Japanese and American systems are impacting the health food market.
Professor Emeritus Hideaki Karaki of the University of Tokyo has been conducting research on Japan's health food system for many years. By comparing the time when Japan's FOSHU system began with the current American system, Professor Karaki is raising questions about how the Japanese system should evolve in the future.
Many people incorporate health foods into their daily lives. Therefore, it is crucial to create a clear and reliable system that allows consumers to choose products with peace of mind. Many people are paying close attention to what kind of rules Japan will use to manage health foods moving forward.