What We Do
Mission
The FSCJ implements science-based risk assessment of food in an objective, neutral, and impartial manner to protect the health of the people. In addition, the FSCJ implements risk communication about the results of its risk assessments and scientific findings on food safety. To implement risk assessment separately from risk management*, the FSCJ was established as a part of Japan’s Cabinet Office in July 2003, independently from risk management organizations*.
*Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Environment (MOE), Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA)
Risk Assessment
FSCJ assesses risks to human health posed by microorganisms, chemicals, and others contained in food, on the basis of the scientific evidence. Its assessment is mainly conducted in response to requests from risk managers. FSCJ also carries out risk assessment on its own initiative when it finds it necessary to do so. It is called "self-tasking" risk assessment.
Standards for Risk Assessment
<Food Additives>
- Guidelines for the Risk Assessment of Food Additives (Revised Guideline for Assessment of the Effect of Food on Human Health Regarding Food Additives) [April, 2024] [PDF]open in a new window
- Guidelines for the Assessment of Flavoring Substances in Foods on Health [September 2021] [PDF]open in a new window/ Food Safety別ウインドウで開きます(外部サイト)
- Guidelines for the Risk Assessment of Additives (Enzymes) in Foods [September 2021] [PDF] open in a new window
- Guidelines for the Risk Assessment of Food Additives for Fortification [September 2021] [PDF]open in a new window
<Genetically modified foods>
- Standards for the Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Foods (Seed Plants) [January 29, 2004] [PDF: 45KB]open in a new window
- Standards for Safety Assessments of Food Additives Produced Using Genetically Modified Microorganisms [March 25, 2004] [PDF: 114KB]open in a new window
- Standards for the Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Foods (Microorganisms) [June 26, 2008] [PDF: 148KB]open in a new window
-
Statement of the Food Safety Commission Japan (FSCJ) toward the paper claiming development of toxicity in maize line NK603 tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate[November 12, 2012] [PDF:252KB] open in a new window
<Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria>
<Pesticide>
- Guideline for the assessment of the effect of pesticide residue in food on health [April 2024] [PDF]open in a new window
- Assessment guide for "the assessment using reports by international/national risk assessment organization(s)" [October 2012] [PDF]open in a new window
- Consideration on health effects of "Specified Agricultural Chemicals" in foods [June 27, 2013] [PDF]open in a new window
- Guide for considering necessity of data on one-year dog study at toxicological evaluation of pesticide [December 21, 2017] [PDF]open in a new window
- Guide for considerations on residue definitions for dietary risk assessments of pesticide residues [March 29, 2017] [PDF]open in a new window
- Consideration on data required for re-evaluation (Article 8 of Agricultural Chemical Regulation Act) of pesticide residues [March 19, 2018] [PDF]open in a new window
- Procedure for Risk Assessment of Agricultural Chemicals for which provisional standards are established [June 29, 2006] [PDF]open in a new window
<Veterinary medicinal products>
- Guidelines for the Risk Assessment of veterinary medicinal products [April 2024] [PDF]open in a new window
- Guidance on Risk Assessments of Veterinary Medicinal Products and Feed Additives for which the Provisional Standards are Established [January 23, 2023] [PDF]open in a new window
- Guidance for assessment of additives to vaccines as veterinary medicinal products [November 7, 2017] [PDF]open in a new window
- Interpretation of the liver hypertrophy in the toxicological evaluation of veterinary medicinal products [September 7, 2017] [PDF]open in a new window
- Assessment guide for veterinary medicinal products with endocrinological activities [June 1, 2018] [PDF] open in a new window
<Feeds, fertilizers, etc.>
- Guidelines for the Risk Assessment of Feed Additives [May 18, 2021] [PDF] open in a new window
- Guidance on Risk Assessments of Veterinary Medicinal Products and Feed Additives for which the Provisional Standards are Established [December 22, 2022] [PDF]open in a new window
- Interpretation of the liver hypertrophy in the toxicological evaluation of veterinary medicinal products and feed additives [October 25, 2017] [PDF]open in a new window
<Novel foods>
<Apparatus and containers / packages>
<Microorganisms and viruses>
- Guideline for the Risk Assessment of the Effects of Food on Health for Foodborne Microorganisms and Others (Viruses, Parasites) [June 21, 2022] [PDF] open in a new window
<Assessment Methodology Development>
-
Guidance on the Use of the BMD Approach in Risk Assessment by FSCJ[April 2024][PDF] open in a new window
Research Program for Risk Assessment Study and Survey Program on Food Safety
FSCJ has implemented research and survey program to generate scientific evidence for improving risk assessment.
FSCJ has developed a road map, "Strategic direction for promoting research and survey to ensure food safety".
The roadmap defines overall research and survey directions for the next five years to seek effective and strategic approaches to ongoing research and investigation. Every fiscal year, the research and survey program is selected on a priority basis.
<Research Program for Risk Assessment on Food Safety>
Seven to eight programs are selected annually. Research period is approximately two years.
The research program is implemented to collect scientific evidence necessary for conducting risk assessment and developing assessment guidelines.
<Survey Program on Food Safety>
Four to six programs are selected annually.
The survey program is implemented to collect, organize and analyze the data and information necessary for the risk assessment.
Risk Communication
FSCJ implements various activities to communicate its risk assessment results as well as basic knowledge on food safety to the public. Details