1. What is Front-of-Package (FOP) labeling?
FOP labeling is a nutritional label located on the main view of the front of a package, typically presented in a simplified form through icons, symbols, and text to show the nutrient content or nutritional quality of food. Compared to the nutritional information table on the back of the package, FOP allows consumers to quickly understand the nutritional status of food and make healthy choices.
2. Scope of application for FOP in Japan
The scope of application for FOP in Japan is as follows:
Applicable objects
Exclusions
Pre-packaged processed foods sold to consumers
① Therapeutic foods for patients
② Infant formula
③ Alcoholic beverages
3. FOP labeling requirements in Japan
The following should be labeled on the front of the container packaging in the specified format (as shown in Figure 1): calories (kcal), protein (g), fat (g), carbohydrates (g), sodium (converted to salt equivalent, g) per serving, and the percentage of each item relative to the "Nutrient Reference Values" (equivalent to NRV% in China's food nutritional composition table).
Figure 1 Specified format for Front-of-Package (FOP) labeling
Key points
1. Label location
Labeling should be prioritized on the front of the package (i.e., the main page, usually where the product name is located). If the front is not clear or easily obscured during display, it can also be labeled where consumers can easily see it when selecting products.
2. Value calculation
● Unit setting: Use "one serving" as the unit, with its definition noted in parentheses (e.g., "one bag" or "50g"), prioritizing quantity as the definition. The unit on the nutritional information table on the back should be consistent with the FOP. If it is difficult to maintain consistency, FOP must use one serving as the unit.
● Reference values: Based on the "Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025 Edition)," the daily standard for adults over 18 years old is: 2200 kcal, 85g of protein, 70g of fat, 320g of carbohydrates, and 7.0g of salt.
● Rounding requirements: Round values to the nearest integer or one decimal place (refer to official examples). If the value is less than 1 (salt equivalent less than 0.1), label it as "＜1" or "less than 1" (e.g., ＜1 kcal, less than 0.1g).
3. Text and color:
● Text size: For regular packaging, ≥8pt; for small packaging (≤150cm²), ≥5.5pt; text size for design elements of the same level should be uniform.
● Color: The text and background color should have a high contrast, use a single color, and it is prohibited to use color to highlight or emphasize specific nutrients.
4. Special cases
For foods with significant differences in nutritional content between the time of sale and consumption, such as:
● Those that need to be brewed or diluted (tea bags, concentrated beverages)
● Those that need to be desalted or drained (salted kelp, cup noodles)
● Those that need additional ingredients (cocoa powder, cereal)
FOP should calculate the nutritional content based on the consumed state and inform consumers on the package about the food unit and corresponding preparation method in the consumed state, such as "The values are for the nutritional content of one cup of beverage after brewing with 200mL of hot water."
Summary:
Currently, this guideline is still in the public comment phase, with the comment period ending on October 21, 2025.