Report of the OTO Advisory Council (April 12, 1993)

1-(3) Clarifying quarantine standards for imported foods

1. Complainant: Japan Trade Council (Nihon Boekikai)

2. Ministry concerned: Ministry of Health and Welfare

3. Complaint:

The complainant believes that quarantine testing classifications and testing standards should be made available in Japanese and English and has asked that all quarantine offices should be instructed to test identical products uniformly to ensure that each office handles products in the same manner.

4. Results of deliberation:

Regarding testing standards, the ministry or agency concerned has advised that an English version of Specification Standards for Foods and Food Additives will be published during the current fiscal year. All quarantine offices will also be advised to test identical products uniformly so that products are handled in the same manner by all offices. The complainant has been informed of these steps and has deemed them satisfactory.

Government decision (May 27, 1993)

With regard to imported food, all quarantine offices will be instructed to test identical products uniformly.