Food Safety Commission's Milestone 1000th Meeting Set for October 14

Food Safety Commission to Host Its 1000th Meeting

The Food Safety Commission (FSC) is set to host its monumental 1000th meeting on October 14, 2023. This significant milestone marks an important moment in the ongoing commitment to food safety and public health in Japan. The meeting will take place at the FSC's headquarters in Akasaka, Tokyo, beginning at 14:00.

Meeting Agenda Highlights

The agenda for the meeting is comprehensive, focusing on several crucial topics:

1. Report on Genetically Modified Foods: The discussion will delve into findings from the specialized investigation committee on genetically modified (GM) foods, particularly regarding the high oleic acid soybeans, known as DP-305423-1, and their relation to herbicide-resistant strains. This part of the meeting aims to solicit opinions and feedback from stakeholders and the public.

2. Food Health Impact Assessments: The committee’s review will include evaluations concerning animal feed additives, specifically those derived from the hydrolysis of protein that results in L-isoleucine. This assessment is crucial for determining the health implications of such additives, signaling FSC's comprehensive approach.

3. Regulatory Review of Specific Substances: Discussion will also target the safety evaluation of substances under the Food Sanitation Act. This includes L-carnitine, acknowledged by the Prime Minister as non-risk under specific conditions, and its implications for health in food products.

4. Technical Research Evaluations: The meeting will conclude with the outcomes from the secondary call for technical research on food health impact assessments for the fiscal year 2023, as well as evaluations of completed research projects from the previous year.

5. Open Floor: An additional session will be reserved for other relevant topics that might arise, ensuring a holistic approach to food safety matters.

Public Participation and Access

The FSC encourages public involvement in this landmark meeting. Interested individuals and stakeholders can opt to view the proceedings through a live video stream or attend the meeting in-person. Registration for both options is required by October 10, 2023, to facilitate proper arrangements and ensure adequate seating capacity, which will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those wishing to witness the event can register on the Cabinet Office’s common opinion registration system. Participants attending in-person should arrive within the specified registration time to ensure entry. The FSC will prepare and distribute meeting materials on its website ahead of time, which can be referenced during the event.

Media Coverage Guidelines

Members of the press intending to cover the meeting must also register in advance, providing details of their organization and specifying if they wish to conduct any filming or photography. The commission will allow media coverage for the introductory segment only.

Conclusion

As the FSC embarks on its 1000th meeting, this moment not only reflects on a history of dedication to food safety but also paves the way for future advancements in public health policies. Attendees, whether in person or online, are poised to witness discussions that could influence food safety regulations and public trust in food supply systems in Japan. The commission remains committed to maintaining transparency and fostering stakeholder engagement in these critical discussions.