Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare


(Appendix 1)

Contact:
Office of Imported Food Safety, Inspection and Safety Division, Department of Food Safety, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Results of Monitoring and Guidance
Based on the Imported Foods Monitoring and
Guidance Plan for FY 2010

September 2011
Department of Food Safety, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau,
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare


Inspection Results of Imported Foods Monitoring and Guidance Plan for FY 2010

Introduction

Foods, additives, apparatus, containers and packaging, and childrens' toys (hereinafter referred to as "foods, etc.") imported by Japan in 2010 amounted to 31.8 million tons across 2 million import notifications. According to the "2010 Food Balance Sheet" published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the food self-sufficiency ratio in Japan is 40% (combined food self-sufficiency ratio by calorie intake), and 60% based on calorie intake is dependent on imports.

In order to ensure the safety of foods, etc., imported into Japan (hereinafter, "imported foods, etc."), the government established the imported food monitoring and guidance plan in 2010 (hereinafter, "the Plan"). The program is based on the Guidelines for Monitoring and Guidance for Food Sanitation (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Notification No. 301, 2003) as per the provisions of Article 23, paragraph 1 of the Food Sanitation Act (Act No. 233, 1947; hereinafter, "the Act"), and public comments were collected and risk communication carried out. The program was published in the Official Gazette as an official report according to the provisions of paragraph 3 of the same article, and monitoring and guidance for imported foods, etc., is being conducted based upon the Program.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will publish an overview of the implementation of the monitoring and guidance for imported foods, etc., including an overview of the implementation of monitoring and inspections carried out under the Plan, the implementation of inspections of imported foods, etc. inspected or ordered, and an overview of the results thereof, monitoring and guidance to importers and the results thereof, and consultations in exporting countries.

Reference: Website on the “Safety of Imported Food”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/yunyu/tp0130-1.html

Safety of Imported Food

1. Overview of the Imported Foods Monitoring and Guidance Plan for FY 2010

1 What is the Imported Food Monitoring and Guidance Plan?

It is the plan (under Article 23 of the Act) for the implementation of monitoring and guidance of imported foods, etc. by the government.

Purpose: To further ensure the safety of imported foods, etc. by promoting intensive, effective and efficient import inspections and monitoring and guidance of importers.

2 Principles for Monitoring and Guidance for Imported Foods

Establishes a plan which aims to ensure sanitation at three stages, namely, in the exporting country, at the time of importation, and in domestic distribution, from the perspective of Article 4 (that is, food safety must be ensured internationally and domestically through appropriate measures at each stage of the food supply process) of the Food Safety Basic Act (Act No., 48 of 2003).

3 Priority Items for Monitoring and Guidance
4 Promotion of sanitation measures in exporting countries
5 Guidance on voluntary sanitation control by importers

*1: Systematic inspection using a statistical approach considering the import volume and violation ratio of each type of food.

*2: Inspection for products with a high probability of violation where an inspection is ordered for the importer, and import and distribution is not permitted without the results being in compliance with the law.

*3: Measures whereby the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare may prohibit sale or import of specific foods, etc. without inspection, in the event it is deemed necessary to prevent harm.

Overview of Monitoring Systems for Imported Foods

*1: Inspection for products with a high probability of violation where an inspection is ordered for the importer, and import and distribution is not permitted without the results being in compliance with the law.

*2: Systematic inspection using a statistical approach considering the import volume, violation ratio, etc. of each type of food.

*3: Inspection guidance for voluntary sanitation control by importers to confirm legal compliance of imported food, etc. upon initial importation.

2. Results of Imported Food Monitoring and Guidance Plan for FY 2010

Measures have been taken as described below by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and quarantine stations in accordance with Article 4 of the Food Safety Basic Act to ensure the safety of imported foods, etc. at every stage from production, manufacturing and processing in the exporting country to domestic distribution, based on the fundamental approach that it is necessary to take appropriate measures.

(1) Inspection at time of import notification in accordance with Article 27 of the act

Examination of notifications using computer system
Examination of notifications using
computer system

Examination of compliance with the Act was made, primarily with the standards and criteria for foods, etc. under the provisions of Article 11 (1) and Article 18 (1) of the Act (hereinafter, "standards and criteria"), and inspections were carxried out as required at the time of importation, based on import notifications made under the provisions of Article 27 of the Act.

Looking at the notifications, inspections and violations made in 2010 (Table 1), there were 2,001,020 notifications, and the weight of notified items, was 31,801,900 tons. Inspections were carried out on 247,047 items (12.3%), of which 1,376 cases (running total 1,431 cases) were found to be in violation of the Act, and steps were taken for their re-shipment, disposal, etc. These accounted for 0.1% of the number of notifications.

(2) Monitoring under Article 28 of the Act

Sample collection in a bonded
Sample collection in a bonded

Inspection numbers and inspection items to be carried out by quarantine stations were defined and inspections were planned for a total of 85,018 cases in FY 2010, considering previous importation data and violation rates for each food type, based on inspection numbers required to enable detection of violations to a statistically fixed degree of reliability.

With the implementation of the positive list system, the number of food sanitation inspectors has been increased from 368 to 383, and equipment for inspection of residual agricultural chemicals expanded. Additionally, the number of agricultural chemicals for inspection has been increased from 520 to 530 and the number of residual veterinary drugs from 150 to 152, based on the usage of agricultural chemicals overseas.

Checks on the implementation of monitoring inspections at every quarantine station have been carried out, and the Plan reviewed halfway through the monitoring period to enable inspections which conform to the realities of importation.

Looking at the Implementation of Monitoring Inspections for FY 2010 (Table 2), a total of 88,788 cases (actual number 48,338) were carried out compared to a total of 85,018 planned (an implementation rate of 104%), and of these, 182 cases (running total 182) were found to be in violation of the Act, and steps were taken for their recall, etc.

Inspections of the same food type are enhanced in response to the detection of violations of the Act during monitoring inspections, etc. (Table 3). Where multiple violations for residual agricultural chemicals or residual veterinary drugs are detected in foods from the same country, or for foods, etc. which are expected to have a high probability of violation of the Act, such foods, etc. will be subject to inspection upon each and every importation (Table 4). Foods in which aflatoxin or listeria is detected will be subject to immediate inspection order(Table 5).

(3) Inspection orders under Article 26 of the Act

Subject countries and regions, subject foods, etc., and items for inspection have been defined, and inspection orders have been made under provisions of Article 26 of the Act for imported foods, etc. which have a high probability of violating the Act, to prevent harm to public health.

As of March 31st, 2011, 16 items from all exporting countries, and 131 items from 34 countries and 1 region were subject to inspection orders, and the record of inspection orders for FY 2010 (Table 6) shows 118,721 cases (running total 232,748) were implemented, of which 380 cases (running total 384) were found to be in violation of the Act and steps were taken for re-shipment or disposal, etc.

Inspection System at time of Importation

(4) Violations (*total number of cases in violation)

Breaking down 1,434 cases of violation by provision (Table 7), violations of Article 11 of the Act, which relates to microbial criteria, standards for residual agricultural chemicals, and standards for the use of additives in food, were most common at 771 cases (53.8% as a proportion of 1,434 violations), followed by violations of Article 6, which relates to contamination with hazardous or toxic substances such as aflatoxin, at 407 cases (28.4%), violations of Article 18, which relates to standards for apparatus or containers and packaging, at 124 cases (8.6%), violations of Article 10, which relates to the use of undesignated additives, at 113 cases (7.9%), and violations of Article 62 (mutatis mutandis application), which relates to standards for toys, at 18 cases (1.3%).

Breaking down violations by inspection type, the most common were violations relating to microbial criteria in frozen foods, etc. (Table 8-1) at 289 cases (20.2% as a proportion of 1,434 violations), followed by violations relating to residual agricultural chemicals (Table 8-2) at 272 cases (19.0%), violations relating to decay, deterioration and fungus formation (Table 8-3) at 221 cases (15.4%), violations relating to violations relating to undesignated additives used and additives in violations of usage standards (Table 8-4) at 199 cases (13.9%), violations relating to hazardous or toxic substances (Table 8-5) at 186 cases (13.0%), violations relating to apparatus, containers and packaging (Table 8-6) at 124 cases (8.6%), violations relating to residual veterinary drugs (Table 8-7) at 76 cases (5.3%), and violations relating to criteria for toys (Table 8-8) at 18 cases (1.3%).

Breaking down violations relating to microbial criteria (Table 8-1) by country, the rankings were China with 96 cases (33.2% as a proportion of all 289 violations relating to microbial criteria), Thailand with 56 cases (19.4%) and Vietnam with 24 cases (8.3%). The principle products in violation in these cases were, for all countries, microbial criteria (bacterial count, coliform bacteria, E.coli) in frozen foods.

Breaking down violations relating to residual agricultural chemicals (Table 8-2) by country, the rankings were China with 58 cases (21.3% as a proportion of all 272 violations relating to residual agricultural chemicals), Vietnam with 52 cases (19.1%) and Ghana with 24 cases (8.8%). The principle products in violation in these cases were asparaguses from China (ametryn), shrimps from Vietnam (trifluralin) and cacao beans from Ghana (fenvalerate).

Breaking down violations relating to decay, deterioration and fungus formation (Table 8-3) by country, the rankings were the USA with 36 cases (16.3% as a proportion to all 221 violations relating to decay, deterioration and fungus formation), Thailand with 30 cases (13.6%), Canada with 22 cases (10.0%) and Ghana with 18 cases (8.1%). The principle products in violation in these cases were soybeans from the USA, rice from Thailand, rapeseed from Canada and cacao beans from Ghana.

Breaking down violations relating to additives (Table 8-4) by country, the rankings were China with 33 cases (16.6% as a proportion of all 199 violations relating to additives), Brazil with 23 cases (11.6%) and the USA with 19 cases (9.5%). The principle products in violation in these cases were frozen foods from China (use of non-specified additives) and snacks from Brazil and the USA (use of non-specified additives).

Breaking down violations relating to hazardous and toxic substances (Table 8-5) by country, the rankings were the USA with 76 cases (40.9% as a proportion of all 186 violations relating to hazardous and toxic substances), Italy with 25 cases (13.4%) and China with 18 cases (9.7%). The principle products in violation in these cases were maize from the USA (contamination with aflatoxin), uncooked meat products from Italy (contamination with Listeria monocytogenes) and peanuts from China (contamination with aflatoxin).

Breaking down violations relating to apparatus, packaging and containers (Table 8-6) by country, the rankings were China with 73 cases (58.9% as a proportion of all 124 violations relating to apparatus, packaging and containers), Taiwan with 9 cases (7.3%) and South Korea with 6 cases (4.8%). The principle materials in violation in these cases were synthetic resins, which accounted for 68 cases.

Breaking down violations relating to residual veterinary drugs (Table 8-7) by country, the rankings were China with 33 cases (43.4% as a proportion of all 76 violations relating to residual veterinary drugs), Vietnam with 32 cases (42.1%) and Taiwan with 4 cases (5.3%). The principle products in violation in these cases were pork products from China (clenbuterol), Shrimps from Vietnam (chloramphenicol) and eels from Taiwan (furaltadone as AMOZ).

Breaking down violations relating to criteria for toys (Table 8-8) by country, the rankings were China with 15 cases (83.3% as a proportion of all 18 violations relating to criteria for toys) and three other countries with one case each (each 5.6%). The principle materials in violation in these cases were composites, which accounted for 11 cases.

(5) Emergency measures based on information from overseas on food sanitation issues

The monitoring system at the time of importation has been enhanced and an investigation into domestic distribution (Table 9) has been carried out regarding issues in FY 2010 including the alleged mixing of Japanese star anise (a common cause of food poisoning) with Chinese star anise in China for distribution as Chinese star anise, possible contamination of beers produced in UK with glass particles, and also possible contamination of eggs produced in Germany with dioxins, which contaminated hen feed. The investigation was based on information collected on overseas outbreaks of food poisoning and samples of food in violation of the Act collected by the National Institute of Health Sciences and the Cabinet Office Food Safety Commission. Sampling measures were ordered where import records were confirmed.

Further, on the matter of agricultural chemical poisoning due to frozen dumpling produced in China which occurred in January 2008, inspections for residual agricultural chemicals in processed food carried out on a total of 7,419 samples throughout FY 2010 resulted in no cases of violation.

(6) Promotion of sanitation measures in exporting countries

Inspection of a meat product processing facility in Italy
Inspection of a meat product processing
facility in Italy

Information on products in violation of the Act has been provided to the governments of exporting countries where the products are subject to enhanced inspection orders or monitoring inspections, and requests have been made through bilateral consultation for investigations into the causes of violations and that measures be taken to prevent recurrence.

As part of this, where it is necessary to confirm sanitation measures during the production or processing stages in the exporting country, such as with regards the issue of residual agricultural chemicals or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (hereinafter, "BSE"), specialists have been dispatched to exporting countries, and On-site inspection of sanitation measures in said exporting countries carried out (Table 10).

On-Site inspection were carried out from January 16th to 22nd, 2011 in Thailand for frozen cut mangoes and freeze-dried mangoes to examine control of residual agricultural chemicals.

Regular On-site inspection were carried out from September 28th to 30th, 2010 at beef production facilities in Canada authorized for export to Japan, and observance of the Japan export program was verified.

Likewise, regular On-site inspection were carried out from November 29th to December 10th, 2010 at beef production facilities in the USA authorized for export to Japan, and observance of the Japan export program was verified.

Specialists were dispatched to USA to confirm sanitation control systems for genetically modified products and meat as part of sanitation control training organized by the governments of exporting countries.

Further, Japanese specialists in analysis of residual agricultural chemicals and in food sanitation laws and regulations were dispatched to China in July and August 2010 on the Project for Improving Food Safety Control in China, which is operated by the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA). In July 2010, moreover, Chinese specialists in analysis of residual agricultural chemicals and in food sanitation laws and regulations were invited to Japan for technical training.

(7) Promotion of pre-inspection sanitation measures in exporting countries

As a new preventative initiative, systematic information gathering and, where required, On-site inspection have been conducted in the USA, Canada and China since FY 2009, and in South Korea, Thailand, Italy and Vietnam since FY 2010 regarding sanitation measures at the exporting country. In addition, initiatives of the governments of exporting countries, producers and manufacturers have been checked (Table 11).

[1] South Korea

On-site inspection were carried out for safety control measures adopted by food sanitation administration and inspection agencies for exports to Japan as well as for initiatives and monitoring programs of each South Korean government agency. In addition, information was gathered from relevant agencies and on-site inspections were carried out regarding principal sea foods imported from South Korea, with focus on control systems such as those for issuing certificates for exports to Japan relating to residual veterinary drugs and shellfish poison.

[2] Thailand

On-site inspection were carried out for the organizations of food sanitation administration, their roles and cooperation with others, and safety control measures. Likewise, for food exports to Japan, on-site inspection were carried out for the Thai government’s management of the use of agricultural chemicals in compliance with Japan’s standards for residual agricultural chemicals, measures to prevent contamination from pesticide drift, and inspection of residual agricultural chemicals prior to export.

[3] Italy

On-site inspection were carried out for sanitation control of livestock foods such as meat and dairy products, local governments’ monitoring of production processes (from raw material preparation to product processing), issuance of sanitation certificates, and investigation of the causes of non-conformance identified. Likewise, for food exports to Japan, on-site inspection were carried out for the Italian government’s monitoring inspections for residual materials and safety control measures including communication of Japan’s food safety standards and non-conformance information to manufacturers.

[4] Vietnam

Opinions were exchanged with Vietnamese government departments regarding sanitation control of food exports to Japan and monitoring of food products in Vietnam. Likewise, for seafood exports to Japan, on-site inspection were carried out for inspection of residual agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs. As the Food Safety Law (which took effect on July 1, 2011) is administered by several ministries, meanwhile, on-site inspection were also carried out for all the paperwork involved.

(8) The Japan-China Food Safety Promotion Initiative

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ) signed a memorandum of understanding on May 31st, 2010 in Tokyo on the Japan-China Food Safety Promotion Initiative. At the first ministerial meeting held on the same day, the two parties jointly set out an action plan based on the memorandum, followed by working-level consultations and field studies held in China from June 21st to 25th according to the plan.

The Japanese side requested the Chinese side to identify the causes of, and take remedial measures for residual agricultural chemicals on Welsh onions and residual veterinary drugs in pork and eels. Following the consultations, field studies were conducted to inspect sanitation control systems. Consultations between the two parties will continue, based on the results of the field studies.

The Chinese side, on the other hand, requested the Japanese side to lift a voluntary ban on: imports of frozen cooked spinach; the order for testing veterinary drugs in chicken products and melamine in foods including dairy products; and the order for tightening inspection of irradiated foods. The Japanese side, therefore, explained about the problems and requested that preventive measures be presented. With respect to frozen cooked spinach and chicken products, field studies were conducted following the consultations to inspect sanitation control systems.

The details of the memorandum of understanding and the results of the consultations, etc. are posted at the following URL.

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/houdou/2r98520000006r22.html

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/yunyu/exporter/100621.html

(9) Comprehensive import ban regulations under Articles 8 and 17

Article 8 and Article 17 of the Food Sanitation Act provide measures for the comprehensive banning of imports, as a method of enabling the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare to comprehensively ban the import or sale of specific foods from specific countries without requiring an inspection.

According to the "Guidelines for the Banning of the Sale or Import of Specific Foods, etc. under Article 8 (1) and Article 17 (1) of the Food Sanitation Act" (SHOKUHATSU No. 0906001 dated September 6th, 2002), before invoking measures for a comprehensive import ban on items that exceed a 5% violation rate in the latest 60 inspection orders, the status of sanitation controls is confirmed with the exporting country, and a request is made for improvements. However, no imported foods, etc. were subject to such claims or measures in FY 2010.

(10) Guidelines for implementation of voluntary sanitation controls by importers

The safety of foods, etc. to be imported is confirmed in advance by obtaining necessary materials from the producer or manufacturer. Additionally, guidance has been given to importers based on the Plan regarding foods, etc. that are to be imported to Japan for the first time and foods, etc. that have been subject to a violation. The guidance was given in meetings, etc. held at quarantine stations, in order that quarantine stations are briefed in advance.

Officers from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and quarantine stations were dispatched to training courses and workshops held by related organizations in order to raise awareness of food sanitation with importers, and as a result importers in general understand the details.

Looking at the figures for pre-import guidance given by Offices of Imported Food Consultation (known as import consultations) in quarantine stations in FY 2010 (Table 12), a total of 34,479 cases by product received import consultations, of which 426 cases (total 646) were identified as non-compliant with the Act in advance.

Breaking down the cases which were non-compliant with the Act by the specific provision (Table 13), violations of Article 11 which relates to standards and criteria for usage of additives were most common with 334 cases (51.7% as a proportion of 646 violations), and violations of Article 10 which relates to the use of undesignated additives with a total of 293 cases (45.4%).

Meeting at a Quarantine
Meeting at a Quarantine

Breaking this down by country (Table 14), the USA had the most cases at 175 (27.1% as a proportion of 646 violations), followed by Israel with 75 cases (11.6%) and France with 55 cases (8.5%). The order, when listed by type of violation, was: use of undesignated additives in health foods from the USA, use of undesignated additives is soft drinks from Israel, and also use of undesignated additives in pastries from France.

Where the import consultation determined a non-compliance with the Act, appropriate measures were taken to ensure compliance, and guidance given to suspend import until improvements were made. After improvements were made and documentation showing compliance with the Act provided, guidance was given as needed to carry out in advance checks such as inspections for fulfillment of standards and criteria for said foods, etc.

(11) Disclosure of information on violations of imported foods, and cooperation with prefectures

Details of violations including the names, addresses and imported foods, etc. of importers in violation of the Act were listed and published on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare homepage, based on provisions of Article 63 of the Act, in order to clarify the food sanitation risk. Along with the names, etc. of parties in violation, measures taken to rectify matters, the cause of the violation, and method of disposal were also identified and published.

Imported foods, etc. which had already passed customs at the time they are identified as being in violation were promptly recalled with the cooperation of the relevant prefectural governments. Imported foods, etc. discovered to be in violation through domestic market inspections by prefectural governments (Table 15) led to enhanced inspections where required.

Table 1 – Notifications, Inspections, and Violations (FY 2010)
Notifications
(cases)
Imported Weight
(thousand tons)
Inspections*1
(cases)
Proportion*2
(%)
Violations
(cases)
Proportion*2
(%)
2,001,020 31,802 247,047
(118,721)*3
12.3 1,376
(384)*3
0.1
(0.3)*3
(FY 2009)
1,821,269
30,605 231,638 12.7 1,559 0.1

*1 Inspections by authorities, registered inspection organizations and public organizations of exporters, deducting duplicates.

*2 Proportion as compared to notifications.

*3 Number of inspection orders.

Table 2 – Implementation of Monitoring Inspections (FY 2010)
Food Groups Inspected Substances*1 Number Planned in FY*2 Actual Number Violations
Livestock Foods
Beef, pork, chicken, horse meat, poultry meat, other meats
Antibacterial substances, etc. 2,243 2,153 4
Residual agricultural chemicals 1,884 1,948 0
Additives - 3 0
Standards for constituents 716 674 0
Irradiation 29 14 0
SRM removal - 4,378 0
Processed Livestock Foods
Natural cheeses, processed meat products, ice cream, frozen (meat) products, etc.
Antibacterial substances, etc. 2,362 2,357 2
Residual agricultural chemicals 923 1,207 1
Additives 1,911 2,031 0
Standards for constituents 2,298 2,162 12
Irradiation 5 0 0
Seafood products
Bivalves, fish, shellfish (shrimps, prawns, crabs), etc.
Antibacterial substances, etc. 2,896 2,855 2
Residual agricultural chemicals 1,967 2,462 8
Additives 207 262 0
Standards for constituents 1,439 1,482 0
Irradiation 29 7 0
Processed seafood
Processed fish products (fillet, dried or minced fish, etc.), Frozen food(seafood, fish), processed marine product egg, etc.
Antibacterial substances, etc. 3,969 3,997 3
Residual agricultural chemicals 2,888 3,512 2
Additives 1,960 2,482 1
Standards for constituents 3,556 4,989 31
Irradiation 5 3 0
Agricultural foods
Vegetables, fruit, wheat, maize, pulses, peanuts, nuts, seeds, etc.
Antibacterial substances, etc. 884 1,201 0
Residual agricultural chemicals 15,482 15,285 58
Additives 1,016 1,030 2
Standards for constituents 1,181 973 0
Mycotoxins 2,959 3,244 3
Genetically modified food 751 799 0
Irradiation 29 19 0
Processed agricultural food
Frozen food(processed vegetables), processed vegetable products, processed fruit, seasonings, instant noodles, etc.
Antibacterial substances, etc. 119 151 0
Residual agricultural chemicals 8,001 8,181 11
Additives 3,804 4,439 5
Standards for constituents 2,746 2,907 14
Mycotoxins 1,937 1,758 1
Genetically modified food 119 44 0
Irradiation 446 235 3
Other foods
Health food, soups, seasonings, pastries, cooking oil, frozen food, etc.
Antibacterial substances, etc. - 6 0
Residual agricultural chemicals 147 466 0
Additives 3,047 3,104 7
Standards for constituents 897 671 3
Mycotoxins 717 732 0
Irradiation - 3 0
Beverages
Mineral waters, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, etc.
Residual agricultural chemicals 358 399 0
Additives 776 997 2
Standards for constituents 956 892 3
Mycotoxins 118 115 0
Additives
Apparatus, containers and packaging
Toys
Standards for constituents 2,241 2,159 4
Total (gross)
5,000 cases of the total cases planned for the FY were part of enhanced monitoring.
85,018 88788
Implementation rate of 104%
182

*1:Examples of inspected substances

  • Antibacterial substances, etc.: antibiotics, synthetic antimicrobials, hormone drugs, etc.
  • Residual agricultural chemicals: organophosphorous, organochlorine, carbamates, pyrethroid, etc.
  • Additives: preservatives, coloring agents, sweeteners, antioxidants, antimold agents, etc.
  • Standards for constituents, etc.: Items stipulated in the standards for constituents (bacterial count, coliform bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, etc.), pathogenic microorganisms (enterohemorrhagic E.coli O157, Listeria, monocytogenes etc.), shellfish poisons (diarrhetic shellfish poison and paralytic shellfish poison), etc.
  • Mycotoxin: aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, patulin, etc.
  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): genetically modified foods, etc. that have not been assessed for safety.
  • Irradiation: with or without of irradiation

*2:Rough estimate of the number of item-by-item inspections of antibacterial substances, agricultural chemicals, etc.

Table 3 – Items Subject to Enhanced Monitoring Inspections in FY 2010 *1(As of March 31, 2011*2)
Country/Region Subject Food Inspected Substances
China White cloud ear fungus Methamidophos, Phoxim
Welsh onion Flusilazole, Triazophos
Immature peas Isoprothiolane, Flusilazole
Edamame (green soybean) Fenpropathrin
Swimming crab Trifluralin
Wasps’ nest Oxytetracycline
Mandarin fish Malachite green
Coffee beans γ-BHC
Shiitake mushroom Fenpropathrin
Basket clam Furazolidone
Shiso Atrazine
Buckwheat Methamidophos
Hagfish Enrofloxacin
Qing geng cai Difenoconazole
Field mustard Pyridaben
Honey Chloramphenicol
Thailand Red Chili Ethion, Propiconazole
Acacia Isoprothiolane
Kale Tolfenpyrad
Soft-Shelled Turtle Enrofloxacin
Red Pepper Prothiofos
Welsh onion Triazophos
Basil Seed Aflatoxin*4
Immature Pea Cypermethrin
Vietnam Shrimp Enrofloxacin, Trifluralin
Mackerel Chloramphenicol
Catfish Trifluralin
Spinach Tebuconazole
Immature Peas Cypermethrin
Australia Buckwheat Chlorpyrifos, Haloxyfop
Beef(limited to manufacturers) Enterohemorrhagic E.Coli O157*3
Celeriac Difenoconazole
Mango Fludioxonil
South Korea Green chili Difenoconazole
Agaricus Terbufos
Strawberry Metconazole
Bell pepper Pyrimethanil
Flounder Benzylpenicillin
Taiwan Oolong tea Bromopropylate
Eel Chlorpyrifos
Soft-shelled turtle Chlortetracycline
Garlic chive Dinotefuran
India Fermented tea Monocrotophos, Quinalphos
Pigeon pea Chlorpyrifos
Dill seed Profenofos
Mexico Avocado Acephate, Methamidophos
Guava Cypermethrin
Mango Cypermethrin
Tanzania Azuki bean Pirimiphos-methyl, 2, 4-D
Sesame seed Imidacloprid, Fenitrothion
Ghana Cacao bean Atrazine, Chlorpropham, Thiamethoxam
USA Chicken Lasalocid
Parsnip Trifluralin
Broccoli Pyraclostrobin
Italy Carrot Pyrimethanil
Uncooked meat product(limited to manufacturers) Listeria monocytogenes*4
Holland Shallot Haloxyfop
Leek Difenoconazole
New Zealand Parsnip Tebuconazole
Leek Alachlor
UAE Chickpea Aflatoxin*4
Indonesia Immature pea Difenoconazole
Austria Horseradish Dimethomorph
Guatemala Coffee bean 2, 4-D
Brazil Maize Aflatoxin*4
France Jerusalem artichoke Chlorpropham
Peru Caigua Chlorpyrifos
Bolivia Sesame seed Fenitrothion
Myanmar Chickpea Aflatoxin*4
Russia Honey Chloramphenicol

*1 Enhanced monitoring inspections, which are normally to be implemented after a violation has been detected, were conducted on 30% of all import notifications in FY 2010. However, if no similar violations were detected within 60 enhanced monitoring inspections or within 1 year, the items in question were subjected to the normal inspection system.

*2 Excludes items included in Table 4.

*3 Enhanced monitoring inspections were conducted because the case of beef to be heart processed was detected.

*4 Enhanced monitoring inspections were conducted responding to the cancellation of an inspection order.

Table 4 – Items Transferred to Inspection Order after Enhanced Monitoring Inspections in FY 2010
Country/Region Subject Food Inspected Substances
Thailand Eryngium Foetidum Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin
Water Minosa Triazophos
Galangal Chlorpyrifos
China Asparagus Ametryn
Pike eel Trifluralin*
Vietnam Shrimp Trifluralin
Immature Pea Acephate
India Mango Chlorpyrifos
Oman Immature bean Pyridalyl
Taiwan Eel Fenitrothion*
Brazil Beef(Including organ meat) Ivermectin
Mexico Avocado Acephate

* Transferred to inspection order due to same violations during procedure of the enhanced monitoring inspections.

Table 5 – Items Immediately transferred to Inspection Order in FY 2010
Country/Region Subject Item Inspected Substances
Italy Natural Cheese Enterohemorrhagic E.coli O26
Uncooked meat product(limited to manufacturers) Listeria monocytogenes
Canada Uncooked meat product(limited to manufacturers) Listeria monocytogenes
Spain Uncooked meat product(limited to manufacturers) Listeria monocytogenes
Turkey Hazelnut Aflatoxin
France Soft and semi-soft natural cheese(limited to manufacturers) Listeria monocytogenes
Table 6 – Major Items subject to Inspection Orders and Inspection Outcomes (FY 2010)
Country/Region Major subject foods Major Inspected Substances Inspections Violations
All Exporting Countries
(16 items)
Peanut, nut, chili pepper, etc. Aflatoxin 10,446 60
Salted salmon roe Nitrite 540 4
Beans containing cyanide, cassava Cyanide 536 2
Puffer fish Differentiations of fish species 2 1
China
(35 items)
Chicken, Pork, Shrimp, Eel, Royal jelly, etc. Nitrofurans, Clenbuterol, Tetracycline antibiotic, Malachite Green, etc. 78,332 31
Vegetables, Fruit, Pulses, Fish
(shiitake mushroom, Welsh onion, pike eel, etc.)
Fenpropathrin, Tebufenozide, Methamidophos, Pyrimethanil, etc. 40,679 36
Milk, dairy products, and processed products made from these food products Melamine 10,613 0
Bivalve Paralytic shellfish poison, Diarrhetic shellfish toxin 7,563 1
Processed eel products, etc. Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria 926 0
Lotus seed Aflatoxin 3 0
All processed food Cyclamic acid 1,539 0
South Korea
(13 items)
Jacknife clam, Basket clam, etc. Endosulfan, Oxytetracycline, etc. 136 2
Vegetable
(mini tomato, Red pepper, etc.)
Fluquinconazole, Ethoprophos, etc. 224 1
Bivalves Paralytic shellfish poison, Diarrhetic shellfish toxin 553 1
Blood cockle for raw consumption, Tairagigai (Atrina pectinata) for raw consumption Vibrio parahaemolyticus 6 0
Thailand
(12 items)
Vegetables, Fruit
(green asparagus, okra, mango, banana, etc.)
EPN, chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin, etc. 1,548 5
Farmed shrimp and prawn Oxolinic acid 1,219 0
Italy
(7 items)
Processed almonds, processed pistachio nut Aflatoxin 128 4
Spring onion Chlorpyrifos 20 3
Uncooked meat products, etc. Listeria monocytogenes 612 9
India
(7 items)
Cassia seed, turmeric Aflatoxin 338 6
Farmed shrimp and prawn Furazolidone 26 0
Vegetables, Fruit
(red pepper, mango, etc.)
Chlorpyrifos, Triazophos, etc. 85 2
Other (29 countries and 1 region; total 57 items) 76,674 216
Total  232,748 384
Table 7 – Violations by Legal Provision (FY 2010)
Provision violated Violations (cases) Proportion(%) Brief details of Violation
Article 6
(Foods and additives prohibited to distribute)
407 28.4 Aflatoxin contamination in maize, peanuts, Job's tears, red pepper, pistachio nuts, almonds, cassia seeds, etc.; poisonous fish contamination; detection of diarrhetic shellfish toxin; detection of cyanide; detection of Listeria monocytogenes from uncooked meat products, etc.; and decay, deterioration and fungus formation due to accidents during the transport of coffee beans, rice, wheat, etc.
Article 9
(Limitation on distribution, etc. of diseased meat, etc.)
1 0.1 No hygiene certificate attached
Article 10
(Limitation of distribution, etc. of additives, etc.)
113 7.9 Use of unspecified additives such as TBHQ, cyclamic acid, azorubin, patent blue V, Quinoline Yellow, carbon monoxide, Orange II, iodized salt, P-hydroxy benzoic acid methyl, etc.
Article 11
(Standards and criteria for foods and additives)
771 53.8 Violation of standards for constituents for vegetables or frozen vegetables (violation of standards on residual agricultural chemicals), violation of standards for constituents for marine products and processed products thereof (violation of standards on residual veterinary drugs, violation of standards on residual agricultural chemicals), violation of standards for constituents for other processed foods (Escherichia coli test, etc.), violation of standards on use of additives (sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, sulfur dioxide, etc.), and violation of standards for constituents for additives.
Article 18
(Standards and criteria for apparatus, containers and packaging)
124 8.6 Violation of criteria for apparatus, containers and packaging Violation of materials criteria for raw materials
Article 62
(Mutatis mutandis application for toys, etc.)
18 1.3 Violations of criteria for toys or their raw materials
Total 1,434(Gross)*1
1,376(Real)*2

*1 Gross number of inspection cases by inspected substances.

*2 Number of notification cases for which inspections were carried out.

Table 8-1 – Violations by Country, Item and Violation details for Microbial Criteria (FY 2010)
Country of production Item category Violation details Cases*
China Frozen food (vegetables) Coliform bacteria(8), Bacterial count(7), E. coli (5) 96
Frozen food (fish) Bacterial count(8), E. coli (8), Coliform bacteria(3)
Frozen food (chicken) Coliform bacteria(7), E. coli (3), Bacterial count
Frozen food (other processed products) Bacterial count(7), Coliform bacteria(3), E. coli
Hermetically packaged, Pressure and heat sterilized food products Possible microbes(6)
Frozen food (shrimp) Coliform bacteria(4), Bacterial count(2)
Meat products Coliform bacteria(3), E. coli (2)
Fish paste products Coliform bacteria(4)
Frozen food (shellfish) Bacterial count(2), Coliform bacteria(2)
Boiled octopus Coliform bacteria(2), Bacterial count
Frozen food (squid) Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria, E. coli
Frozen food (marine animals) Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria
Frozen food (seed) E.coli
Frozen food (octopus) Coliform bacteria
Thailand Frozen food (chicken) Coliform bacteria(8), Bacterial count(7) 56
Frozen food (shrimp) Coliform bacteria(6), Bacterial count(4), E. coli
Frozen food (squid) Coliform bacteria(7), Bacterial count(2), E. coli
Meat products E.coli (7)
Frozen food (fish) E.coli (3)
Fish paste products Coliform bacteria(2)
Frozen food (fruit) Bacterial count, E. coli
Frozen food (vegetables) Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria
Frozen food (other processed products) Bacterial count, E. coli
Powdered soft drink Coliform bacteria
Frozen food (shellfish) Bacterial count
Vietnam Frozen food (shrimp) Bacterial count(4), E. coli (4) 24
Frozen food (squid) Coliform bacteria(5), Bacterial count(2)
Frozen food (vegetable) Coliform bacteria(3)
Frozen food (fish) Coliform bacteria(2)
Frozen food (marine animals) Bacterial count, E. coli
Fish paste product Coliform bacteria
Boiled octopus Bacterial count
South Korea Powdered soft drink Coliform bacteria(3), Bacterial count(2) 22
Frozen food (fish) Coliform bacteria(4)
Chilled arch shell Vibrio parahaemolyticus (MPN) (3)
Frozen food (shellfish) Coliform bacteria(2), Bacterial count
Fish paste products Coliform bacteria(2)
Hermetically packaged, pressure and heat sterilized food products Possible microbes(2)
Frozen food (other processed products) Bacterial count(2)
Frozen food (marine animals) Bacterial count
Indonesia Frozen food (fish) Coliform bacteria(7), Bacterial count(2) 17
Frozen food (shrimp) E. coli (2), Coliform bacteria(2)
Frozen food (fruit) Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria
Frozen food (shellfish) E.coli
Frozen food (vegetables) Bacterial count
Philippines Frozen food (fruit) Coliform bacteria(4) 12
Frozen food (chicken) Bacterial count(2), E. coli (2)
Boiled octopus Coliform bacteria(2), Bacterial count
Frozen food (squid) Coliform bacteria
France Butter Coliform bacteria(6) 11
Ice cream Coliform bacteria
Meat products Coliform bacteria
Frozen food (seed) E.coli
Frozen food (vegetable) Bacterial count
Frozen food (other processed products) Bacterial count
Canada Frozen food (other processed products) Coliform bacteria(5) 10
Ice cream Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria
Frozen food (fish) Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria
Frozen food (marine animals) Coliform bacteria
Taiwan Frozen food (fish) Coliform bacteria(2), Bacterial count 7
Powdered soft drinks Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria
Frozen food (vegetable) Bacterial count
Frozen food (other processed products) Bacterial count
Italy Frozen food (seed) Coliform bacteria(2) 4
Butter Coliform bacteria
Powdered soft drink Coliform bacteria
Chile Frozen food (fish) Coliform bacteria(4) 4
Brazil Meat product Coliform bacteria 4
Soft drink Coliform bacteria
Powdered soft drink Bacterial count
Frozen food (other processed product) E.coli
India Powdered soft drink Bacterial count 3
Frozen food (shrimp) Bacterial count
Frozen food (marine animal) Bacterial count
Austria powdered soft drink Bacterial count(2), Coliform bacteria 3
Singapore HERMETICALLY packaged, Pressure and heat sterilized food products Possible microbes(2) 3
Powdered soft drinks Coliform bacteria
Australia Butter Coliform bacteria 2
Frozen food (marine animals) Bacterial count
USA Frozen food (vegetables) Coliform bacteria 2
Frozen food (other processed products) Coliform bacteria
Russia Boiled crab Bacterial count, Coliform bacteria 2
Tanzania Powdered soft drinks Bacterial count 1
Germany Butter Coliform bacteria 1
New Zealand Frozen food (squid) Coliform bacteria 1
Hungary Powdered soft drinks Bacterial count 1
Finland Frozen food (vegetables) E.coli 1
Belgium Soft drinks Coliform bacteria 1
Luxembourg Frozen food (other processed products) Coliform bacteria 1
Total 289

* Gross number of cases violations.

Table 8-2 – Violations by Country, Item and Violation details for residual agricultural chemicals (FY 2010)
Country of Production
(Total of violations)
Item Category Violation Details Cases*1
Standard Value Uniformity Standard
China Asparagus   Ametryn (11) 58
Welsh onion   Aldicarb sulfoxide (3), Flusilazole (3), Tebufenozide,
Pike eel Trifluralin (6)  
Peanut   Acetochlor (5)
Non-fermented tea Triazophos (4)  
Dried wood ear mushroom Chlorpyrifos, Phoxim Bifenthrin
Carrot Triadimenol Acephate (2)
Paprika   Difenoconazole (3)
Half-fermented tea Triazophos (3)  
Loach Endosulfan (2)  
Bell pepper   Difenoconazole, Pyrimethanil
Large peanuts   BHC
Swimming crab Trifluralin  
Coffee bean γ-BHC  
Sesame seed Dicofol  
Shiitake mushroom   Fenpropathrin
Shiso Atrazine  
Field mustard   Pyridaben
Garlic stalk Pyridaben  
Matsutake mushroom Chlorpyrifos  
Vietnam Shrimp Trifluralin (47)   52
Immature pea Acephate (3), Cypermethrin  
Spinach   Tebuconazole
Ghana Cacao bean Imidacloprid (5), Permethrin (4), Endosulfan Fenvalerate (11), Atrazine, Chlorpropham, Thiamethoxam 24
Thailand Eryngium foetidum Chlorpyrifos (3) Cypermethrin (3), Buprofezin (2) 18
Red chili Ethion Prothiofos, Propiconazole
Salad onion Triazophos (2)  
Asparagus   EPN
Kale   Tolfenpyrad
Kaffir lime Profenofos  
Galangal   Chlorpyrifos
Water minosa Triazophos  
Ecuador Cacao bean Diuron (2), Cypermethrin 2, 4-D (15) 18
Venezuela Cacao bean   2, 4-D (16) 16
Taiwan Eel Fenitrothion (8) Chlorpyrifos 11
Garlic chives   Dinotefuran
Carrot   Acephate
Australia Celeriac   Difenoconazole (4) 10
Buckwheat Chlorpyrifos Haloxyfop (2)
Orange Imazalil (2)  
Mango   Fludioxonil
USA Broccoli Pyraclostrobin (3)   7
Pistachio nuts   Acetamiprid (2) *2
Cumin   Profenofos
Parsnip Trifluralin  
South Korea Basket clam Endosulfan (2)   6
Agaricus Terbufos  
Strawberry   Metconazole
Bell pepper   Pyrimethanil
Mini tomato   Fluquinconazole
Mexico Avocado   Acephate (4) 6
Guava Cypermethrin  
Mango Cypermethrin  
Indonesia Coffee bean   Carbaryl (5) 6
Immature peas   Difenoconazole
Myanmar Sesame seed   Imidacloprid (5) 5
India Pigeon pea Chlorpyrifos   4
Cumin   Profenofos
Fermented tea Quinalphos  
Mango Chlorpyrifos  
Bolivia Sesame seed   Fenitrothion (4) 4
Tanzania Sesame seed   Imidacloprid, Fenitrothion 3
Azuki bean Pirimiphos-methyl, 2, 4-D  
Oman Immature beans   Pyridalyl (3)*2 3
Italy Carrot   Pyrimethanil 2
Spring onion Chlorpyrifos  
Holland Shallot   Haloxyfop 2
Leek   Difenoconazole
New Zealand Parsnip   Tebuconazole 2
Leek   Alachlor
France half-fermented tea Triazophos   2
Jerusalem artichoke   Chlorpropham
Peru Caigua Chlorpyrifos   2
Quinoa Methamidophos  
Ethiopia Coffee bean γ-BHC(2)   2
Canada Kidney bean Glyphosate (2)   2
Paraguay Sesame seed   Imidacloprid (2) 2
Austria Horseradish   Dimethomorph 1
Guatemala Coffee bean   2, 4-D 1
Philippines Mango   Flusilazole 1
Portugal Honey   Chlorfenvinphos 1
Hong Kong Dried wood ear fungous Chlorpyrifos   1
Total 272

*1 Gross number of cases violations.

*2 Violations based on the standard values before the revision.

Table 8-3 – Violations by Country, Item for Decay, Deterioration and Fungus Formation (FY 2010)
Country of Production Item Category Cases*
USA Soybean(16) 36
Wheat(13)
Rice(5)
Maize(2)
Thailand Rice(30) 30
Canada Rapeseed(11) 22
Wheat(8)
Soybean(3)
Ghana Cacao bean(18) 18
Indonesia Coffee bean(16) 16
Colombia Coffee bean(15) 16
Cacao bean
Brazil Coffee bean(6) 11
Soybean(5)
Australia Wheat(10) 10
Vietnam Coffee bean(10) 10
Guatemala Coffee bean(9) 9
Honduras Coffee bean(9) 9
Ethiopia Coffee bean(8) 8
Tanzania Coffee bean(4) 4
France Wheat(3) 4
Pre-mixed flour for bread
India Coffee bean(2) 3
Tea substitute
Mexico Coffee bean(3) 3
Cameroon Cacao bean(2) 2
Jamaica Coffee bean(2) 2
Italy Dry noodle 1
El Salvador Coffee bean 1
Cuba Coffee bean 1
Costa Rica Coffee bean 1
Dominican Republic Coffee bean 1
Nicaragua Coffee bean 1
Haiti Coffee bean 1
Peru Coffee bean 1
Total 221

* Gross number of cases violations.

Table 8-4 - Violations by Country, Item and Violation Details for Additives (FY 2010)
Country Of Production Item Category Violation Details Cases*
China Frozen food (other processed products) Potassium stearate (4), TBHQ (2), Polysorbate 33
Seasoning TBHQ (2), Sorbic acid (2)
Pickle Sorbic acid(2), Cyclamic acid, Acid tar color
Dried mushroom Sulfur dioxide(2)
Dried vegetables Sulfur dioxide(2)
Pulses preparations Hexane (2)
Fruit preparations Cyclamic acid
Dried fruit Sulfur dioxide
Smoked foods (squid) Sorbic acid
Meat products Nitrite
Fruit in syrup Cyclamic acid
Foods in syrup (chestnut) Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Soy protein Sulfur dioxide
Tea substitute Sulfur dioxide
Seasoned dried products (squid) Sorbic acid
Processed agricultural products Sulfur dioxide
Frozen food (shrimp) Sulfur dioxide
Frozen food (fish) Carbon monoxide
Brazil Snack foods TBHQ(14) 23
Biscuits TBHQ(3)
Powdered soft drinks Cyclamic acid (3)
Cider Sorbic acid
Vegetable oil TBHQ
Seasonings TBHQ
USA Snack foods TBHQ(6) 19
Cider Sorbic acid(3)
Health food Azorubin, Sulfur dioxide, P-hydroxy benzoic acid methyl
Salted salmon roe Nitrite (3)
Syrup Sorbic acid
Soft drinks Acesulfame potassium
Biscuits TBHQ
Boiled (bivalves) Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Taiwan Seasonings Cyclamic acid (4) 12
Roasted or fried foods(sunflower seeds) Saccharin sodium
Syrup Cyclamic acid
Fruit in syrup Sulfur dioxide
Soft drinks Polysorbate
Tapioca starch (except one for saccharification) Sulfur dioxide
Red pepper preparations Cyclamic acid
Powdered soft drinks Sodium aluminosilicate
Processed royal jelly products P-hydroxy benzoic acid methyl
Vietnam Pastries Orange II(3), TBHQ (2), Quinoline Yellow 12
Dry noodles Benzoic acid, Sulfur dioxide
Vegetable oil TBHQ
Snack foods Sulfur dioxide
Seasonings Cyclamic acid
Unseasoned dried products (shrimp) Sulfur dioxide
India Vegetables preparations Sodium benzoate (5), TBHQ 11
Snack foods TBHQ (2), Iodized salt
Syrup Azorubin
Seasonings TBHQ
South Korea Processed shellfish products Synthetic taurine (2) 11
Dried brown seaweed Food blue 1, Food Yellow 4
Seasoned marine animal products Polysorbate (2)
Frozen fish fillet Carbon monoxide (2)
Sauces Sorbic acid
Seasonings Sorbic acid
Frozen food (other processed products) Carminic acid aluminium lake
Thailand Pastries Patent blue V(4) 9
Fruit preparations Polysorbate
Fruit in syrup Sulfur dioxide
Pickles Cyclamic acid
Vegetable preparations TBHQ
Boiled octopus Sulfur dioxide
Italy Cakes Potassium sorbate 8
Syrup Sorbic acid
Foods mainly made from milk Patent blue V
Biscuits Potassium sorbate
Pistachio paste Copper chlorophyll
Vegetable preparations Sorbic acid
Liqueurs Azorubin
Other foods Quinoline Yellow
Spain Chocolate Quinoline Yellow(2), Azorubin 7
Vinegar Azorubin, Patent blue V
Fruit vinegar Sulfur dioxide
Natural cheese Natamycin
France Chocolate Quinoline Yellow(2), Patent blue V(2), Brilliant black BN 7
Pastries Acid blue
Fruit preparations Sulfur dioxide
New Zealand Cider Copper sulfate(3) 5
Jam Potassium sorbate
Mustard preparations Potassium sorbate
Philippines Snack foods TBHQ (3), Iodized salt 5
Dried fruit Sulfur dioxide
Peru Pastries Acid fast red E, Azorubin, Sorbic acid 5
Syrup Benzoic acid
Chocolate TBHQ
Australia Fruit preparations Sulfur dioxide 4
Meat products Sulfur dioxide
Syrup Polysorbate
Soft drinks Sulfur dioxide
Austria Liqueurs Quinoline Yellow, Patent blue V 4
Chocolate Azorubin
Rum Acid blue
Turkey Biscuits Sulfur dioxide(2) 4
Dried fruit Sulfur dioxide
Pickles Benzoic acid
Azerbaijan Liqueurs Sorbic acid(2) 3
Spirits Sorbic acid
Egypt Biscuits TBHQ(2) 2
Holland Liqueurs Azorubin (2) 2
Canada Vegetable oil TBHQ(2) 2
Singapore Unseasoned dried foods (fish) Sulfur dioxide 2
Chocolate Azorubin
Germany Candy Sunflower lecithin 2
Syrup Propylene glycol
South Africa Soft drinks Sorbic acid(2) 2
Indonesia Agar Boric acid 1
Denmark Salted salmon roe Nitrite 1
Belgium Chocolate Azorubin 1
Hong Kong Unseasoned dried foods (fish) Hydrogen peroxide 1
Malaysia Biscuits TBHQ 1
Total 199

* Gross number of cases violations.

Table 8-5 – Violations by Country, Item and Violation details for Hazardous and Toxic substances and pathogenic microorganisms (FY 2010)
Country of Production Item Category Violation Details Cases*
USA Maize Aflatoxin(56) 76
Peanut Aflatoxin(10)
Almond Aflatoxin(5)
Pistachio nut Aflatoxin(2)
Pastry Cyanide
Dried fig Aflatoxin
Mixed nut Aflatoxin
Italy Uncooked meat products Listeria monocytogenes(12) 25
Chocolate Cyanide(7)
Pistachio nut Aflatoxin(4)
Pastry Cyanide
Natural cheese Enterohemorrhagic E.coli O26
China Peanuts Aflatoxin(8) 18
Job's tears Aflatoxin(4)
Globe fish Differentiations of fish species(3)
Arch shell Diarrhetic shellfish toxin
Red pepper Aflatoxin
Frozen food (pulses) Aflatoxin
Spain Uncooked meat products Listeria monocytogenes(15) 16
Dried fig Aflatoxin
India Cassia seed Aflatoxin(5) 13
Peanut Aflatoxin(5)
Curry powder Aflatoxin
Turmeric Aflatoxin
Nutmeg Aflatoxin
Thailand Job's tears Aflatoxin(3) 5
Red pepper Aflatoxin(2)
Nigeria Sesame seed Aflatoxin(3) 5
Cassava Cyanide(2)
Iran Pistachio nut Aflatoxin(3) 4
Mixed spices Aflatoxin
South Africa Peanut Aflatoxin(2) 3
Mixed spices Aflatoxin
Indonesia Nutmeg Aflatoxin(2) 2
Austria Cereal preparations Cyanide(2) 2
Sri Lanka Red pepper Aflatoxin(2) 2
Bangladesh Curry powder Aflatoxin 2
Red pepper Aflatoxin
Philippines Pastry Aflatoxin(2) 2
France Natural cheese Listeria monocytogenes(2) 2
Argentina Peanut Aflatoxin 1
Australia Cotton seed Aflatoxin 1
Canada Uncooked meat products Listeria monocytogenes 1
South Korea Oyster Diarrhetic shellfish toxin 1
Switzerland Dried fig Aflatoxin 1
Germany Fruit brandy Methanol 1
Turkey Hazelnut Aflatoxin 1
Laos Job's tear Aflatoxin 1
Romania Fruit brandy Methanol 1
Total 186

* Gross number of cases violations.

Table 8-6 Violations by Country and Material for Apparatus, Containers and Packaging (FY 2010)
Country Of Production Material Type Violation Details Cases*
China Synthetic resins Evaporation residue (17), Potassium permanganate Consumption (10), Lead (7), Cadmium (3), Caprolactam (3), Dibutyltin compounds (2) , Antimony, Heavy metals (as lead),Coloring agent 73
Ceramics Lead (8), Cadmium (3)
Rubber Evaporation residue (4), Zinc (3), Cadmium, Coloring agent
Combination Evaporation residue (5), Potassium permanganate consumption
Enameled Coloring agent, Cadmium
Taiwan Synthetic resins Evaporation residue(3), Lead(2), Antimony, Cadmium, Coloring agent 9
Combination Heavy metals (as lead)
South Korea Combination Evaporation residue(3), Methyl methacrylate 6
Rubber Cadmium(2)
Italy Ceramics Cadmium(2), Lead 5
Rubber Zinc
Synthetic resins Lead
Croatia Synthetic resins Lead(5) 5
Spain Ceramics Lead(4) 5
Synthetic resins Lead
Thailand Ceramics Lead(3), Cadmium 5
Synthetic resins Potassium permanganate consumption
France Ceramics Lead(2) 5
Synthetic resins Potassium permanganate consumption, Evaporation residue
Combination Caprolactam
New Zealand Synthetic resins Cadmium(2), Coloring agent 3
Germany Ceramics Cadmium 2
Synthetic resins Cadmium
USA Rubber Zinc, Phenol 2
Malaysia Rubber Zinc(2) 2
Sweden Rubber Zinc 1
Philippines Synthetic resins Lead 1
 Total 124

* Gross number of cases violations.

Table 8-7 – Violations by Country, Item and Violation details for Residual Veterinary Drugs (FY 2010)
Country of Production Item Category Violation details Cases*
Excess of standard values Do not contain Non-detectable
China Pork   Clenbuterol(7)   33
Eel   Enrofloxacin(2) Furazolidone (as AOZ)(2), Malachite green (as Leucomalachite green)(2)
Shrimp   Enrofloxacin, Chlortetracycline, Sulfamethoxazole Furazolidone (as AOZ)(3)
Mackerel     Malachite green (as Leucomalachite green) (4), Malachite green
Chicken     Furazolidone (as AOZ)(4)
Short-necked clam     Chloramphenicol
Basket clam     Furazolidone (as AOZ)
Soft-shelled turtle   Enrofloxacin  
Hagfish   Enrofloxacin  
Honey     Chloramphenicol
Vietnam Shrimp     Chloramphenicol(14), Furazolidone (as AOZ)(8) 32
Squid     Chloramphenicol(9)
Mackerel     Chloramphenicol
Taiwan Eel     Furaltadone (AMOZ)(3) 4
Soft-shelled turtle   Chlortetracycline  
Brazil Beef Ivermectin(2)     2
USA Chicken Lasalocid(2)     2
South Korea Flounder Benzylpenicillin     1
Thailand Soft-shelled turtle   Enrofloxacin   1
Russia Honey     Chloramphenicol 1
Total 76

* Gross number of cases violations.

Table 8-8 – Violations by Country and Material for Toys (FY 2010)
Country Material type Violation Details Cases*
China Combination Lead(4), Evaporation residue(3), Potassium permanganate consumption, Coloring agent 15
Synthetic resins Bisphthalate (2), Potassium permanganate consumption(2)
Wood Coloring agent(2)
Indonesia Combination Coloring agent 1
South Korea Paper Coloring agent 1
Taiwan Combination Lead 1
Total 18

* Gross number of cases violations.

Table 9 – Major Examples of Enhanced Monitoring based on Overseas Information (FY 2010)
Month of Enhancement Subject Country Subject food and Details Background and Status
April Argentina Wine
(possible contamination with natamycin)
Based on information regarding product recall from South Korea, when an import notification was made for products produced at said producer, guidance was given for voluntary inspection at the first import and status of domestic distribution was investigated.
May South Korea Bivalves
(possible detection of paralytic shellfish poison exceeding criteria)
A communication was received from the South Korea government stating that the issuance of production area certificates would be suspended for a specific ocean area due to the detection of paralytic shellfish poison exceeding criteria in bivalves in this area. When an import notification was made with certificates stating this area, steps were taken to contact the Ministry after holding the cargo.
November All exporting countries Chinese star anise and foods containing it (possible contamination with Japanese star anise) Information was received that Chinese star anise contaminated with Japanese star anise, which is likely to cause food poisoning, was distributed as Chinese star anise in China. When an import notification was made for Chinese star anise and foods containing it, it was confirmed whether Japanese star anise was contained, and where contaminated, steps were taken to contact the Ministry after holding the cargo.
December UK Beer
(possible contamination with glass pieces)
Information was received a voluntary recall relating to beer by a certain producer because of the possibility of contamination with glass pieces. When an import notification was made for said products, it was confirmed whether it was related to this case, and where related, steps were taken for re-shipment, etc.
January Vietnam Dried fish products (possible irradiation) Information was received from South Korea that irradiation was detected in dried Thread-sail filefish from Vietnam. When an import notification was made for said products, steps were taken for confirmation of whether irradiation was performed.
January Germany Chicken, chicken egg, pork and processed products thereof (possible contamination with dioxins into raw materials of feed) Information was received that possible chicken eggs, etc., which derived from the animals fed with feed whose raw materials contaminated with dioxins, were recalled in Germany. When an import notification was made for said products, steps were taken for confirmation of whether it was related to this case.
January Poland,
Czech Republic
Pork and processed products thereof (possible contamination with dioxins into raw materials of feed) Information was received that pork derived from pigs fed with contaminated feed was exported to Poland and Czech Republic from Germany. Steps were taken for confirmation of whether said products exported from Poland and Czech Republic were related to this case.
Table 10 – Implementations of Major Bilateral Consultation and on-site inspections (FY 2010)
Subject item
(inspection order item, etc.)
Bilateral consultation Date of Site Survey, etc.
USA, Chicken
(lasalocid)
The consultation begun June 2010. As of August 2010, rescinded enhanced monitoring inspections in view of the investigation of causes and report of improvement from the USA government, and based on inspection outcomes.
USA, Pistachio nuts
(acetamiprid)
The consultation begun December 2009. As of August 2010, rescinded enhanced monitoring inspections based on the revised standard values.
USA, Celery
(boscalid)
The consultation begun February 2009. As of September 2009, rescinded inspection orders on registered packagers and exporters approved by USA government, after steps were taken to control residual agricultural chemicals relating to violations by the USA government. As of May 2010, rescinded inspection orders based on the revised standard values.
Belgium, Leek
(haloxyfop)
The consultation begun October 2008. As of November 2010, rescinded inspection orders for haloxyfop after measures to prevent recurrence of violations by the Belgian government, and based on inspection outcomes. Talks are continuing.
South Korea, Perilla
(bifenthrin)
The consultation begun April 2008. As of December 2010, rescinded inspection orders based on the revised standard values.
Taiwan, Mango
(cyfluthrin、cypermethrin)
The consultation begun January 2006. As of December 2010, rescinded inspection orders for cyfluthrin and cypermethrin based on inspection outcomes.
USA, Broccoli
(pyraclostrobin)
The consultation begun March 2011.
Oman, Immature beans
(Pyridalyl)
The consultation begun January 2011. As of March 2011, rescinded all inspection orders based on the revised standard values.
Mexico, Avocado
(acephate)
The consultation begun March 2011.
Canada, Beef
(BSE)
Talks begun May 2003. Site surveys were carried out to verify observance with export standards for facilities exporting to Japan which are approved by the Canadian government. Talks are continuing. Sep-10
USA, Beef
(BSE)
The consultation begun December 2003. As of December 2005, resumption of export from specific facilities under export conditions requiring observance of the export program. Suspended import procedures for all USA beef in January 2006 due to confirmation of USA calf meat containing spinal column, followed by resumption of procedures in July 2006. Site surveys were carried out on facilities approved for export to Japan, to verify observation of the Japan export program. The consultation are continuing. Nov-10
Thailand, frozen cut mangos and freeze-dried mangos (residual agricultural chemicals) On-site inspection for producers and farms were carried out to confirm management systems for residual agricultural chemicals for Thailand frozen cut mangos and freeze-dried mangos. Inspection orders were rescinded for producers of frozen cut mangos and freeze-dried mangos approved by the Thai government. Jan-11
Table 11 – Implementation of Exporting Country Advance Inspections (FY 2010)
South Korea
Subject of inspection System investigation of marine food for export to Japan in South Korea
Relevant law Food Safety Basic Law
Agricultural Products Quality Control Act
Marine products Quality Control Act
Livestock Health Control Act
Summary On-site inspection were carried out on measures conducted by the administrative and inspection agencies relating to food hygiene in order to ensure safety of foods for export to Japan and approaches and monitoring by respective South Korea governmental organizations. As for major marine foods imported from South Korea, information was collected from the section in charge and site inspections were conducted. Also, the management system of issuance of certificates of exportation to Japan was investigated for residual veterinary drug and shellfish poison.
Thailand
Subject of inspection System investigation of agricultural foods in Thailand
Relevant law Food Act
Fisheries Act
Plant Quarantine Act
Animal Epidemic Act
Feed Quality Control Act
Agricultural Standards Act
Summary On-site inspection were conducted on organizations, functions, cooperation and approaches for securing food safety of administrative agencies regarding food hygiene in Thailand. Another investigation was also carried out on management of types and usage, etc. of agricultural chemicals to be used in order to adopt them to the Japanese standards of residual agricultural chemicals, preventive measures for drift contamination, and inspections of residual agricultural chemicals when exporting, which were all conducted by the Thailand government as for foods for export to Japan.
Italy
Subject of inspection System investigation of livestock food products exported to Japan in Italy
Relevant law General Food Law Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 183/2005)
General Food Hygiene Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004)
Hygiene Rules of Food of Animal Origin (Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004)
Specific Public Control Rules for Food of Animal Origin (Regulation (EC) No. 854/2004)
Public Control Rules (Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004)
Summary On-site inspection were conducted on hygiene management system of livestock food products such as meat products and dairy products, monitoring status by local government for from production of raw material to processing and production processes, issuance of hygiene certificates, and investigation of causes when a violation is found. Also, investigations were carried out on a monitoring plan for residual substances regarding foods for export to Japan and safety management, including notification of information of Japanese standards and violations for Italian business entities, by the Italian government.
Vietnam
Subject of inspection System investigation of foods exported to Japan in Vietnam
Relevant law Food Safety Law
Food Safety and Hygiene Law
Order describing implementation of the articles of the Food Safety and Hygiene Law
Government ordinance on the organization system for management of safety hygiene, inspections and evaluations of foods
Summary Exchanges of views on the hygiene management system of foods for export to Japan and domestic food monitoring in Vietnam were carried out with the section in charge of the Vietnam government. Inspection systems of residual agricultural chemicals relating to marine foods for export for Japan and residua veterinary drug were investigated. Management and supervision were going to be conducted by several ministries under the Food Safety Act enforced on July 1 2011, and then the related activities of respective ministries were investigated.
Table 12 – Outcomes of Import Consultations at Office on Imported Food Consultation by FY
FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010
Import consultations implemented 9,786 10,633 11,601 13,275 14,324
Import consultations on item-by-item basis 18,224 22,038 27,083 34,245 34,479
Violations on item-by-item basis 679 401 410 310 426

* Offices of Imported Food Consultation are set up in each quarantine station in Otaru, Sendai, Narita Airport, Tokyo, Yokohama, Niigata, Nagoya, Osaka, Kansai Airport, Kobe, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Naha.

* Figures include only advance consultations implemented prior to import in Office of Imported Food Consultation.

Table 13 – Number of Violations in Import Consultation by Provision (FY 2010)
Provision Violations (cases) Proportion(%) Details of major violations
Article 9
(Limited on distribution, etc. of diseased meat, etc.)
18 2.8 Use of beef materials coming via countries with incidents of BSE, material sourced from beef arriving via countries with incidents of BSE, materials sourced from sheep coming via countries with incidents of BSE (guidance to hold imports)
Article 10
(Limitation on distribution, etc. of additives, etc.)
293 45.4 Use of Calmin, Quinoline Yellow, Glucuronolactone, Azorubin, ethylen oxide, Croscarmellose sodium, boric acid, Iodized salt, Patent blue V, etc.
Article 11
(Standards and criteria for foods and additives)
334 51.7 Non-compliance with manufacturing or processing standards, violation of usage standards for additives
・ Non-compliance with manufacturing standard: inadequate sterilization of soft drinks
・ Use of inhibited foods: use of potassium sorbate, and benzoic acid, etc.
・ Use of excessive amounts: use of sucralose in umeboshi (pickled plums), etc.
・ Excessive residual amounts: residual sulfur dioxide in wine ,etc.
Article 18
(Standards and criteria for apparatus, containers and packaging)
1 0.2 Violation of standards and criteria in containers and packaging.
Total 646 (Gross)
426 (Real)
Table 14 – Cases of Import Consultations by County, Item and Violation details (FY 2010)
Country of Production Item Violation details Cases
USA Health food L-arginine hydrochloride 4), Magnesium hydrogenphosphate (4), Material sourced from beef arriving via countries with incidents of BSE (3), Zinc citrate (3), Zinc oxide (3), Ferrous fumarate (3), L-norvaline (2), Magnesium gluconate (2), Croscarmellose (2), Croscarmellose sodium (2), Chromium picolinate (2), D-α tocopherol succinate (2), Tocopherol succinate (2), Magnesium stearate (2), Polyethylene glycol (2), Polyvinyl alcohol (2), Methyl cyano cobalamin (2), Potassium iodide (2), Copper sulfate(2), D-α- tocopherol succinate, Zinc amino acid chelate, Zinc ascorbate, Magnesium aspartate, Sodium aluminosilicate, Sodium benzoate, Ethyl acetone, Chromic chloride, Stannous chloride, Calcium amino acid chelate, Chromium citrate, Ferrous gluconate, Chromium amino acid chelate, Chromium poly-nicotinate, Magnesium silicate, Choline tartrate, Ethyl acetate, Selenium amino acid chelate, Sodium selenate, Sorbic acid, Potassium sorbate, Calcium carbonate, Biotin, Hypromellose, Vitamin K1, Hexane, Boric acid, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Magnesium amino acid chelate, Manganese amino acid chelate, Methanol, Sodium metavanadate, Molybdenum amino acid chelate, Sodium molybdate, Nickel sulfate, Liquid paraffin, BHT 175
Pastries Sodium benzoate(4), Zinc oxide (4), Potassium sorbate(4), Ferrous fumarate(4), Molybdenum (4), Potassium iodide (4), Zinc oxide , Magnesium stearate
Seasonings Sodium benzoate(7), Sorbic acid(7), Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (3), Nisin (3), Potassium sorbate(2), β-apocarotenal
Soft drinks Potassium sorbate(4), Non-compliance with manufacturing standard(3), Sucralose (2), Sodium benzoate(2), Benzoic acid, Choline chloride, Non-compliance with standards of raw water, Cyclamic acid, Saccharin, Sorbic acid, Potassium bicarbonate
Powdered soft drinks Chromium amino acid chelate (2), Tocopherol acetate (2), Zinc oxide (2), Potassium iodide (2), Manganese sulfate(2), Sodium aluminosilicate, Ethyl acetate
Other foods Sucralose(6), Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, L-cysteine hydrochloride, βapocarotenal,
Additive formulations N-acetyl-L-glutamine, Glutamine-α-ketoglutarate
Spirits Brominated oils
Processed agricultural products Chlorine dioxide
Israel Soft drinks Non-compliance with manufacturing standard(25), Sodium cyclamate (18), Potassium sorbate(13), Benzoic acid(7), Ester gum (3), Sodium selenite, Apocarotenal, Zinc oxide, Calcium carbonate, Chromium picolinate, Ferrous fumarate, Potassium iodide, Manganese sulfate 75
Health foods Material sourced from beef arriving via countries with incidents of BSE
France Other foods Potassium sorbate(21), Iron (II/III) oxide (2) 55
Pastries Azorubin (6), Patent blue V(5), Calcium chloride (2), Potassium sorbate(2), Black PN (2), Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Aluminum potassium silicate, Iron (II/III) oxide, Copper chlorophyll, Sunflower lecithin
Cider Metatartaric acid (5)
Health foods Ethyl methyl ketone, Quinoline Yellow, Methanol
Processed seafoods Brilliant black BN
Hermetically packaged, Pressure and heat sterilized food products Non-compliance with manufacturing standard
Germany Infant formula Sodium selenite (4)、Potassium iodide (4), Manganese sulfate(4) 42
Frozen foods Use of beef materials coming via countries with incidents of BSE (4), Iodized salt (4), Chlorine dioxide (3)
Pastries Magnesium stearate (4), Azorubin, Quinoline Yellow, Copper chlorophyll, Brilliant black BN
Meat products Use of materials sourced from sheep coming via countries with incidents of BSE (2), Iodized salt (2)
Coloring agents Azorubin, Quinoline Yellow, Brilliant black
Yeast media Vanadium, Butyl alcohols
Sweeteners Saccharin
Other foods Sorbic acid
Malaysia Health foods Chlorine bitartrate(4), Potassium iodide (4), Zinc citrate (3), Vanadium citrate (3), Polyethylene glycol(3), Highly dispersed silicon dioxide(2), Isopropyl alcohol, Ethyl cellulose, Glycerin behenic acid ester, Croscarmellose sodium, Iron oxide, Dichloromethane, Talc, Starch sodium glycolate, Sunflower lecithin, Ferrous fumarate, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, Sodium lauryl sulfate 34
Pastries Sodium aluminosilicate, Sodium stearolyl lactylate
South Korea Pastries Use of material sourced from beef arriving via countries with incidents of BSE (5), Propylene glycol(2), Magnesium stearate 31
Health foods Zinc oxide (3), Dichloro sodium isocyanate, Non-compliance with manufacturing standard, Ferrous fumarate, Manganese sulfate
Processed agricultural products Sodium benzoate(3), Potassium sorbate(3), Sodium stearolyl lactylate
Other foods Potassium sorbate(3), Sodium aluminosilicate
Soft drinks Non-compliance with manufacturing standard(2)
Food additives Sodium hyaluronate
Instant noodles Silicon dioxide
Powdered soft drinks Aluminum sodium silicate
China Pastries Potassium sorbate(5), Sorbic acid(2), Acesulfame potassium, TBHQ 28
Health foods Chromium picolinate(2), Zinc, Sodium selenite, Cobalt-60 gamma-radiation sterilization, Vitamin K1
Processed agricultural products Sucralose(4), Ethyl acetate, Sulfur dioxide
Other foods Blue 1, Yellow 4, Sorbic acid
Seasonings Potassium sorbate(2)
Processed fruit Aluminum sodium silicate
Bottle caps Non-compliance with compositional standards
UK Soft drinks Potassium sorbate(7) 20
Pastries Sorbic acid sodium (2), Sodium benzoate, Sodium stearolyl lactylate, Potassium sorbate, Sunflower lecithin
Seasonings Sodium nitrate (3), Potassium nitrate (2), Potassium nitrite
Powdered soft drinks Polyethylene glycol
Brazil Pastries BHA (4), BHT (4), Potassium stearate (2) 20
Soft drinks Non-compliance with manufacturing standard(4), Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate
Processed fruits Liquid paraffin
Seasonings Sodium benzoate
Processed agricultural products Potassium sorbate
Powdered soft drinks Carboxymethylcellulose
Mexico Liqueurs Sodium benzoate(6), Potassium sorbate(6) 15
Seasonings TBHQ(2)
Processed agricultural products Ethylen oxide
Taiwan Processed fruits Chlorine dioxide (5) 15
Other foods Aluminum sodium silicate(2), Green B, Potassium sorbate
Processed seafoods Potassium sorbate(2), Non-compliance with manufacturing standards of fish paste products
Pastries Red No. 7
Processed agricultural products Chlorine dioxide
Powdered milk Sodium aluminosilicate
Hungary Health foods Sodium selenite, Chromic chloride, Ferric gluconate, Iron oxide(Yellow), Vitamin K1, Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, Mannitol, Ammonium molybdate, Potassium iodate, Zinc sulfate 14
Pastries Benzoic acid(3), Azorubin
Philippines Soft drinks Calmin (3), Potassium sorbate(3), Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, Non-compliance with manufacturing standard 12
Pastries Iodine salt (2)
Other foods Iodized salt (2)
Ukraine Pastries Azorubin(7), Cochineal aluminum lake (2) 10
Soft drinks Non-compliance with manufacturing standard
Holland Ice cream Non-compliance with disinfecting method (3) 9
Pastries Patent blue V(2), Copper chlorophyll
Soft drinks Nitrous oxide, Non-compliance with standards of raw water
Meat products Potassium lactate
Thailand Livestock processed products Use of products sourced from beef arriving via countries with incidents (2) 9
Pastries Sodium stearolyl lactylate
Fruits Potassium sorbate
Processed fruits Polysorbate
Health foods Croscarmellose sodium
Seasonings Potassium sorbate
Processed gricultural products Synthetic colorants
Other foods Sulfur dioxide
Spain Pastries Quinoline Yellow, BHA 6
Health foods Magnesium stearate
Seasonings Potassium sulfate
Powdered soft drinks Sunflower lecithin
Other foods Ethylene glycol
Chile Alcoholic drinks Sodium benzoate(3) 6
Frozen food Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate
Processed fruit Sodium benzoate
Denmark Soft drinks Potassium sorbate(4), Glucuronolactone 6
Alcoholic drinks Glucuronolactone
Turkey Other foods Sodium benzoate(3) 6
Pastries Calmin
Processed fruits Potassium sorbate
Processed agricultural products Potassium sorbate
Italy Pastries Sunflower lecithin(2) 5
Liqueurs Azorubin, patent blue V
Soft drinks Non-compliance with standards of raw water
Australia Pastries Choline chloride, Polyvinylpyrrolidone 5
Health foods Material sourced from beef arriving via countries with incidents of BSE, highly dispersed silicon dioxide
Seasonings Potassium sorbate
Canada Pastries Sodium stearolyl lactylate(2) 5
Health foods Sodium ethoxide (2)
Soft drinks Sodium copper chlorophyllin
New Zealand Health foods Propylene glycol(2) 5
Soft drinks Non-compliance with standards of raw water
seasonings Potassium sorbate
Other foods Argon
Switzerland Health foods Croscarmellose sodium, Iron (II/III) oxide, Polyvinylpyrrolidone 4
powdered soft drinks Methyl chloride
Vietnam Seasonings Acesulfame potassium, Sodium benzoate 4
Alcoholic drinks Hexamethylenetetramine
Stock cubes Irradiation
Russia Processed seafoods Sodium benzoate, Sorbic acid, BHT 4
Health foods Zinc lactate
Czech Republic Pastries Sunflower lecithin(3) 3
Iran Soft drinks Non-compliance with manufacturing and storage standards and (2) 2
India Soft drinks Potassium sorbate 2
Processed agricultural products Sodium benzoate
Singapore Pastries Potassium sorbade (2) 2
Belgium Pastries Calmin 2
Soft drinks Sulfur dioxide
UAE Fruits Radiation sterilization 1
Indonesia Refrigerated fresh seafoods Non-compliance with manufacturing standards of refrigerated fresh seafood to be eaten raw 1
Peru Pastries TBHQ 1
Poland Soft drinks Methylene chloride 1
Portugal Pastry Potassium sorbate 1
South Africa Seasonings Potassium sorbate 1
Undetermined Health foods Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (2), Croscarmellose sodium(2), Sodium benzoate, Ethyl cellulose, Quinoline Yellow 8
Wine saver gas Argon
Total 645

* Gross number of violations.

Table 15 – Import Food Violations Detected in Domestic Monitoring (FY 2010)
Country of Production Item Violation Details Cases
USA Beef No hygiene certificate attached(2) 3
Chicken Lasalocid
China Qing-geng-cai Difenoconazole 2
Crackers TBHQ
France Cheese Listeria monocytogenes 2
Mineral water Containing solid foreign object
Peru Oiled sardines TBHQ(2) 2
India Black tea Monocrotophos 1
Thailand Crackers TBHQ 1
Philippines Dry noodles Sulfur dioxide 1
Total 12
(Reference) Description of Key Terms in the Report of Inspection and Guidance
Term Description
Zinc Unspecified additives
Zinc amino acid chelate Unspecified additives
Nitrous oxide Additives(propellants)
Acid blue Unspecified additives
Acid fast red E Unspecified additives
Potassium nitrite Unspecified additives
Nitrite Additives (coloring agent)
Zinc ascorbate Unspecified additives
Magnesium aspartate Unspecified additives
Acesulfame potassium Additives (sweetener)
Acetamiprid Agricultural chemical (neonicotinoid insecticide)
Acetochlor Agricultural chemical (anilide herbicide)
Acephate Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Sodium selenite Unspecified additives
Azorubin Unspecified additives
Atrazine Agricultural chemical (organochlorine herbicide)
Aflatoxin Fungal toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus, etc.
Ametryn Agricultural chemical (triazine herbicide)
Alachlor Agricultural chemical (carboxyl amide herbicide)
Argon Unspecified additives
Aldicarb sulfoxide Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Sodium aluminosilicate Unspecified additives
Sodium benzoate Additives (preservative)
Benzoic acid Additives (preservative)
Isoprothiolane Agricultural chemical (fungicide)
Isopropyl alcohol Additives(flavors)
Carbon monoxide Unspecified additives
Genetically modified Technology such as fragmentation of bacterial genes, followed by arrangement of the gene sequences or introducing the arranged genes into other organism’s genes
Ivermectin Veterinary drug (agents for internal parasites)
Imazalil Additives (antifungal agent)
Imidacloprid Agricultural chemical (chlorinicotinyl insecticide)
Ester gum Additives (chewing gum base)
Ethion Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Ethyl acetone Unspecified additives
Ethyl cellulose Unspecified additives
Ethyl methyl ketone Unspecified additives
Ethylene Unspecified additives
Ethylen oxide Unspecified additives
Ethylene glycol Unspecified additives
Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate Additives (antioxidant)
Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate Additives (antioxidant)
Ethoprophos Agricultural chemical (organophosphate insecticides)
Calcium chloride Additives (Enhancer)
Chromic chloride Unspecified additives
Choline chloride Unspecified additives
Stannous chloride Unspecified additives
Methyl chloride Unspecified additives
Methylene chloride Unspecified additives
Endosulfan Agricultural chemical (organochlorine insecticide)
Enrofloxacin Veterinary drug (new quinolone synthetic antibacterial agent)
Oxytetracycline Veterinary drug (tetracycline antibiotic)
Oxolinic acid Veterinary drug (synthetic antimicrobial (quinolone))
Orange II Unspecified additives
Hydrogen peroxide Additives (disinfectant and bleach)
Calcium amino acid chelate Unspecified additives
Carbaryl Agricultural chemical (carbamate insecticide)
Carboxymethyl cellulose Unspecified additives
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose Additives (Thickener and stabilizer)
Calmin Unspecified additives
Carminic acid aluminum lake Unspecified additives
Quinalphos Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Quinoline yellow Unspecified additives
Zinc citrate Unspecified additives
Chromium citrate Unspecified additives
Vanadium citrate Unspecified additives
Green B Unspecified additives
Glycerin behenic acid ester Unspecified additives
Glyphosate Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous herbicide)
Glucuronolactone Unspecified additives
Ferric gluconate Additives (Enhancer)
Ferrous gluconate Additives (color stabilizer)
Glutamine-α-ketoglutarate Unspecified additives
Clenbuterol Veterinary drug (drug for breeding)
Croscarmellose Unspecified additives
Croscarmellose sodium Unspecified additives
Chromium amino acid chelate Unspecified additives
Chromium picolinate Unspecified additives
Chromium poly-nicotinate Unspecified additives
Chromium amino acid chelate Unspecified additives
Chloramphenicol Veterinary drug (chloramphenicol antibiotic)
Chlortetracycline Veterinary drug (tetracycline antibiotic)
Chlorpyrifos Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Chlorfenvinphos Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Chlorpropham Agricultural chemical (carbamate herbicide)
Aluminum sodium silicate Unspecified additives
Magnesium silicate Unspecified additives
Aluminum potassium silicate Unspecified additives
Aluminum sodium silicate Unspecified additives
Diarrhetic shellfish toxin Shellfish toxin (diarrheal toxin mainly caused by the accumulation of a toxin produced by harmful plankton in bivalves)
Synthetic taurine Unspecified additives
D-α tocopherol succinate Unspecified additives
Cochineal aluminum lake Unspecified additives
Tocopherol succinate Unspecified additives
Cobalt-60 Radioactive material
Choline chloride Unspecified additives
Choline tartrate Unspecified additives
Sodium cyclamate Unspecified additives
Cyclamic acid Unspecified additives
Ethyl acetate Additives(Flavors)
Tocopherol acetate Unspecified additives
Saccharin Additives (sweetener)
Saccharin sodium Additives (sweetener)
Zinc oxide Unspecified additives
Iron oxide Unspecified additives
Iron (II/III) oxide Additives (coloring)
Cyanide Harmful or poisonous compound (Cyanide-related compounds found in vegetables such as some varieties of beans)
Diuron (DCMU) Agricultural chemical (herbicide)
Dichloro sodium isocyanate Unspecified additives
Dichloromethane Unspecified additives
Dicofol Agricultural chemical (organochlorine insecticide)
Dinotefuran Agricultural chemical (neonicotinoid insecticide)
Difenoconazole Agricultural chemical (triazole fungicide)
Cyfluthrin Agricultural chemical (pyrethroid insecticide)
Cypermethrin Agricultural chemical (pyrethroid insecticide)
Dimethomorph Agricultural chemical (fungicide)
Chlorine bitartrate Unspecified additives
Potassium nitrate Additives (coloring agent)
Sodium nitrate Additives (coloring agent)
Brominated oils Unspecified additives
Food blue 1 Additives (coloring)
Food yellow 4 Additives (coloring)
Sucralose Additives (sweetener)
Potassium stearate Unspecified additives
Magnesium stearate Additives (Enhancer)
Sodium stearolyl lactylate Unspecified additives
Sulfamethoxazole Synthetic antimicrobial (sulfur agent)
Selenium amino acid chelate Unspecified additives
Sodium selenate Unspecified additives
Sorbic acid sodium Unspecified additives
Sorbic acid Additives (preservative)
Potassium sorbate Additives (preservative)
Dioxins Genetic term for the 3 compounds: Poly chlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxin (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF), and coplaner poly chlorinated biphenyl.
Talc Additives (gum base)
Calcium carbonate Additives (expansion agent)
potassium bicarbonate Unspecified additives
Thiamethoxam Agricultural chemical (neonicotinoid insecticide)
Vibrio parahaemolyticus Pathogenic microorganism (A bacterium in seawater (at the river mouth, coastal area, etc.) that commonly contaminates fish and shellfish, and causes abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.)
Enterohemorrhagic E.coli O26, O157 etc. Pathogenic microorganism (A bacterium that normally lives in the intestines of animals. It contaminates foods and drinking water by way of feces and urine, and causes acute abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea together with large amounts of fresh blood after early cold-like symptoms.)
Deoxynivalenol Fungal toxin produced by the fungus Fusarium, which is known as the fungus causing fusarium head blight.
Tetracycline Veterinary drug (tetracycline antibiotic)
Tebuconazole Agricultural chemical (triazole fungicide)
Tebufenozide Agricultural chemical (benzoyl hydrazide insecticide)
Terbufos Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Starch sodium glycolate Additives (Thickener and stabilizer)
Sodium copper chlorophyllin Additives (coloring)
Copper chlorophyll Additives (coloring)
Triadimenol Agricultural chemical (phenoxy fungicide)
Triazophos Agricultural chemical (phenoxy insecticide)
Trifluralin Agricultural chemical (dinitroaniline herbicide)
Tolfenpyrad Agricultural chemical (phenylpyrazole insecticide)
Nisin Additives (preservative)
Sodium ethoxide Unspecified additives
Natamycin Additives (used in food manufacture)
Sulfur dioxide Additives (antioxidant)
Chlorine dioxide Additives (flour treatment agent)
Silicon dioxide Additives (manufacturing agent)
Nitrofurans Generic name for nitrofuran synthetic synthetic antimicrobial, a veterinary drug
Zinc lactate Additives (used in food manufacture)
Potassium lactate Unspecified additives
Patulin Fungal toxin produced by the fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus
Patent blue V Unspecified additives
Vanadium Unspecified additives
P-hydroxy benzoic acid methyl Unspecified additives
Parathion-methyl Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Haloxyfop Agricultural chemical (herbicide)
Sodium hyaluronate Unspecified additives
Biotin Additives (enhancer)
Chromium picolinate Unspecified additives
Vitamin K1 Unspecified additives
Bifenazate Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Bifenthrin Agricultural chemical (pyrethroid insecticide)
Hypromellose Unspecified additives
Sunflower lecithin Unspecified additives
Pyraclostrobin Agricultural chemical (strobilurin fungicide)
Pyridaben Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Pyridalyl Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Pirimiphos-methyl Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Pyrimethanil Agricultural chemical (aminopyrimidine fungicide)
Fenitrothion Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Fenvalerate Agricultural chemical (pyrethroid insecticide)
Fenpropathrin Agricultural chemical (pyrethroid insecticide)
Butyl alcohols Additives (flavoring)
Buprofezin Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Ferrous fumarate Unspecified additives
Brown HT Unspecified additives
Furazolidone Veterinary drug (Nitrofuran synthetic antimicrobial); generates AOZ when metabolized.
Black PN Unspecified additives
Furaltadone Veterinary drug (Nitrofuran synthetic antimicrobial); generates AMOZ when metabolized.
Brilliant black BN Unspecified additives
Fluazifop Agricultural chemical (phenoxy acid herbicide)
Fluquinconazole Agricultural chemical (triazole fungicide)
Fludioxonil Agricultural chemical (antifungal agent)
Flusilazole Agricultural chemical (heterocyclic fungicide)
Prothiofos Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Flonicamid Agricultural chemical (piridine carboxamide insecticide)
Propionic acid Additives (preservative)
Propiconazole Agricultural chemical (fungicide)
Propylene glycol Additives (solvent)
Profenofos Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Bromopropylate Agricultural chemical (dust mite exterminator)
Hexaconazole Agricultural chemical (triazole fungicide)
Hexamethylenetetramine Unspecified additives
Hexane Additives (oil and fat extraction agent)
Red No. 7 Unspecified additives
Permethrin Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Benzylpenicillin Veterinary drug (beta-lactam antibiotic)
Boric acid Unspecified additives
Phoxim Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Boscalid Agricultural chemical (anilide fungicide)
Polyethylene glycol Unspecified additives
Polysorbate Additives (emulsifier)
Polyvinyl alcohol Unspecified additives
Polyvinylpyrrolidone Unspecified additives
Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone Additives (filter aid)
Magnesium amino acid chelate Unspecified additives
Paralytic shellfish poison Shellfish poison (mainly refer to toxins produced by a harmful plankton accumulate in bivalves, toxic clams cause paralytic poisoning)
Malachite green Veterinary drug (triphenylmethane synthetic antibacterial agent)
Manganese amino acid chelate Unspecified additives
Mannitol Additives (anti-adhesive agent)
Acide metatatrique Unspecified additives
Sodium metavanadate Unspecified additives
Methanol Colorless liquid having strong toxicity and ethyl alcohol-like odor
Methamidophos Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
Methylcyanocobalamin Unspecified additives
Metconazole Agricultural chemical (Triazole fungicide)
Melamine Chemical substance of main raw materials of melamine resin
Monocrotophos Agricultural chemical (insecticide)
Molybdenum Unspecified additives
Molybdenum amino acid chelate Unspecified additives
Ammonium molybdate Unspecified additives
Sodium molybdate Unspecified additives
Iodine salt Salt added with iodine, an unspecified additive
Potassium iodide Unspecified additives
Iodized salt Unspecified additives
Potassium iodate Unspecified additives
Sodium lauryl sulfate Unspecified additives
Lasalocid Veterinary drug
Listeria monocytogenes Pathogenic microorganism (A normal flora in the natural environment that contaminates milk products and processed meat products, and causes influenza-like symptoms including tiredness and fever.)
Copper sulfate Additives (Enhancer)
Zinc sulfate Additives (Enhancer)
Potassium sulfate Unspecified additives
Manganese sulfate Unspecified additives
Nickel sulfate Unspecified additives
Liquid paraffin Additives(mold release agent)
Magnesium hydrogenphosphate Unspecified additives
Sodium aliminumphosphate Unspecified additives
Leucomalachite green Metabolite of malachite green, a veterinary drug
2,4-D Agricultural chemical (phenoxy acid herbicide)
AMOZ Generates nitrofurans synthetic antimicrobial furaltadone
AOZ Generates nitrofurans synthetic antimicrobial furazolidone
A-TYPE HEPATITIS A-TYPE HEPATITIS belongs to picornavirus, hepatovirus group. Infection spreads through contaminated water and eating raw water, vegetables, fruits and seafood.
BHA Additives (antioxidant)
BHC Agricultural chemical (organochlorine insecticide)
BHT Additives (antioxidant)
BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) Delayed-onset, malignant central nervous system disease which cause changes to the sponge structure of the bovine brains, with symptoms of inability to stand
D-αtocopherol succinate Unspecified additives
EPN Agricultural chemical (organophosphorous insecticide)
L-arginine hydrochloride Unspecified additives
L-cysteine hydrochloride Additives (antioxidant)
L-norvaline Unspecified additives
N-acetyl-L-glutamine Unspecified additives
MCPA Agricultural chemical (phenoxy acid herbicide)
SRM Part of a beef cow which accumulate the abnormal prion proteins though to cause BSE (BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY) (head (excluding tongue and cheek), spinal marrow, spine, and ileum (2 meters from the junction with the appendix)).
TBHQ Unspecified additives
β-apocarotenal Unspecified additives
γ-BHC (Lindane) Agricultural chemical (organochlorine insecticide)

Top