Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency Provides Guidance on Positive List of Food Contact Materials Under Food Sanitation Law

On February 6, 2025, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency released guidance documents outlining the Positive List under the Food Sanitation Law. The Positive List covers synthetic resins, including thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and thermoplastic elastomers, while excluding thermosetting elastomers (rubber). Items excluded from the Positive List can still be used, but businesses must follow previous safety management procedures under the Food Sanitation Act. Excluded substances include non-thermoplastic elastomers, inorganic substances, natural products, substances that migrate into food, and chemicals attached to surfaces for antistatic or anti-fogging purposes. The guidance discusses the consideration of natural products and cellulose for inclusion in the Positive List. It also addresses the use of synthetic resins in utensils, containers, and packaging that do not come into contact with food during normal use. Additionally, it clarifies the classification of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol polymers in the Positive List.