Foods with Function Claims are foods intended for individuals who are not diagnosed with any disease, excluding minors, pregnant women (including those planning pregnancy), and lactating women.
Under this system, all foods—including fresh foods (with certain exceptions)—are eligible for labeling as Foods with Function Claims.
Prior to marketing, food business operators are required to submit information on product safety, scientific evidence supporting functional claims, and systems for collecting health-related adverse event information to the Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan.
Unlike Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU), the safety and functionality of Foods with Function Claims are not individually evaluated or approved by the government.
Instead, functional claims are made under the responsibility of the food business operator, based on scientific evidence.
All submitted information is publicly disclosed on the website of the Consumer Affairs Agency.