Major Progress in Japan-China Cooperation on Food Safety Regulation

On June 26, 2024, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) issued an important announcement, titled "Kensho Shokuhin Shuppin 0626 No. 1". The release of this announcement marks another significant development in the food safety regulatory cooperation between Japan and China.

The announcement was primarily based on the strict inspection results of imported food products over the past year, particularly concerning the monitoring of bromopropylate in Chinese-produced cloud ear fungus (also known as wood ear mushroom) and 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) in Chinese red chili peppers.

During the past year, the MHLW has implemented strict quality control and inspection measures on imported food products. As Chinese-produced cloud ear fungus and red chili peppers are highly popular in the Japanese market, they naturally became the focus of these inspections. Through a series of detailed tests and evaluations, the Japanese authorities confirmed that the residue levels of bromopropylate in Chinese cloud ear fungus and 2,4-D in Chinese red chili peppers were within the relevant safety standards in Japan.

Bromopropylate is a widely used insecticide in the agricultural sector, playing a vital role in controlling pest damage. However, if the residue levels of bromopropylate in agricultural products exceed a certain standard, it may pose potential health risks to humans. Similarly, 2,4-D, a plant growth regulator, can promote plant growth, but if used improperly or with excessive residues, it may also have adverse effects on human health.

Based on these considerations, the MHLW conducted multiple spot checks on Chinese-produced cloud ear fungus and red chili peppers over the past year. After a series of strict tests and evaluations, the Japanese authorities ultimately confirmed that the residue levels of bromopropylate and 2,4-D in these products were within the safe and controllable range. Consequently, the MHLW announced in the Kensho Shokuhin Shuppin 0626 No. 1 announcement that it would remove the relevant sections regarding the monitoring of bromopropylate in Chinese cloud ear fungus and 2,4-D in Chinese red chili peppers from the inspection appendix.

This decision not only reflects the Japanese recognition of the quality of Chinese agricultural products but also represents the long-term cooperation between China and Japan in the field of food safety regulation. Over the years, the two countries have maintained close exchanges and cooperation in food safety regulation, learning from each other, sharing experiences, and achieving significant results. The release of this announcement will undoubtedly further promote the cooperation and development between China and Japan in the field of food safety regulation.

It is worth noting that the Japanese side also emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation with China in the field of food safety in the announcement. In the future, the two countries will continue to enhance their cooperation in areas such as food safety standard setting, testing technology exchange, and information sharing, jointly contributing to the improvement of global food safety standards.

In summary, the release of the Kensho Shokuhin Shuppin 0626 No. 1 announcement not only reflects the Japanese recognition of the quality of Chinese agricultural products but also showcases the long-term cooperation between China and Japan in the field of food safety regulation. Looking ahead, the two countries will continue to work hand in hand, contributing more wisdom and strength to the development of global food safety.