Modalities for the Administration of Food Safety

1. Establishment of the Food Safety Commission (Provisional Name)

With a view to protection of the health of consumers as the ultimate priority, risk analysis methods will be introduced into the administration of food safety and the Food Safety Commission (provisional name) will be established in order to evaluate risks to the safety of food.

The necessary measures such as a review of the risk management structures will be also be taken within administrative organizations responsible for risk management.

In addition, a crisis management structure will be established based on the Basic Law on Food Safety (provisional name) so that the entire Cabinet can make a unified response to emergency situations.

2. Establishment of the Basic Law on Food Safety (Provisional Name)

The Basic Law on Food Safety (provisional name) will be established as a law to ensure comprehensive food safety with the basic principle of consumer protection.

Furthermore, in accordance with the Basic Law on Food Safety, consideration will be given to laws related to the safety of food and the necessary revisions will be made.

The bills necessary for the establishment of the abovementioned Food Safety Commission and the Basic Law on Food Safety will be submitted to the ordinary session of the Diet in 2003. Toward this end, a preparation office will be established within the Cabinet Secretariat.