In response to a growing interest in health, the“healthfood”issue was put on a review by the“Study Panel regarding
Appropriate“Food with health claims”established in April 2003 fromvarious perspectives regarding health food products
such as: the role in the fitness of people, how to ensure thesafety and benefit; how to provide proper information to
consumers; the role of administration, relevant industries andconsumers in consideration of the above; and the way the
system should be.
　 As a result,“Appropriate Future“Food with health claims(Proposal)”was drafted as of June 9, 2004. Based on this
Proposal and with reference to a technical review conducted by astudy group on New FOSHU (Food for Specified Health
Uses),”the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has composed aproposed revision of“Food with health claims”
system in February and July 2005.
　 Some new categories of FOSHU are established, such as, QualifiedFOSHU, Standardized FOSHU and Reduction of
disease risk FOSHU. In light of the purpose of the Food withNutrient Function Claims, it is now required to indicate the
name of nutrient for which the function is claimed. Furthermore, inorder to correct such a tendency and educate people
regarding balanced diet, it is now mandatory to state on alabel“For a better diet, balanced meals based on staple foods,
main dish and side dish are important.”and educate people regardingthe Food with Health Claims System including the
reviews and revisions made this time.

Key words: Food with health claims, Qualified FOSHU,Standardized FOSHU, Reduction of disease risk FOSHU