Consumers Union of Japan – Page 52 – Sound and Healthy Future for Our Children

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Sound and Healthy Future for Our Children

Genetically Modified Papaya: Consumer Reaction

Genetically modified papaya to be marketed in Japan for the first time but the labeling issue is not solved

By Yamaura Yasuaki, CUJ

The safety assessment of the genetically modified papaya was completed by the Food Safety Committee in 2009. In April, 2011 there was a deliberation about its labeling in the Consumer Committee of the Consumers Affairs Agency. There has also been an opportunity for the general public to comment on the case. Following this, a deliberation was held on July 27, 2011 to decide about the way such GM papaya should be labeled. This GM papaya could be the first case of marketing of a transgenic fruit in Japan.

The Consumers Affairs Agency suggests that based on the Food Sanitation Law, the manufacturer should attach a printed label on each fruit. The text “Genetically Modified” should also be added to the ingredient list on papaya jam, papaya juice and other processed foods, together with the country of origin.

CUJ is concerned what will happen if the seal (sticker) is accidentally removed or falls off.

First of all, we regard the cultivation and import of GM papaya as problematic. Japanese consumers who do not want to eat GM foods expect the GM label to be distinct and clear if GM papaya is to appear on the market. CUJ would like to point out the following problems with the approach taken by the Consumer Affairs Agency:

According to the suggestions, “The sticker could possibly be re-attached on the fruit, when the operator in charge deals with GM papaya only”, if the GM sticker is removed or falls off. If the manufacturer handles both GM papaya and non-GM papaya, all products from that manufacturer should be labeled as “may contain GM papaya” due to the possibility that mixing appears.

The Consumer Affairs Agency recognizes that there may be cases when the GM papaya is sold without a label because it has been removed or falls off, but takes a relaxed attitude to this possibility. This should be regarded as a serious violation.

CUJ regards the act of selling GM papaya without correct GM labeling as a violation that should be severely punished by the law.

The Consumers Affairs Agency decided to reflect such points that were pointed out at the Food Labeling Committee meeting regarding the labeling rules.

By fridfrid | 20/12/2011 | Biotechnology, Food |

Consumers Against TPP Negotiations

TPP: Rural Japan Under Serious Threat By “Operation Enemy”

November 02, 2011

The TPP negotiations seem to be hi-jacked by American rice growers and large grain exporting corporations. This is in spite of the fact that liberalization of the rice sector would have devastating effects on rural Japan. We cannot understand why the Japanese government should allow one small group of American producers to effectively make it impossible for Japan as a whole to maintain its food sovereignty. Consumers Union of Japan strongly rejects such approach to trade liberalization, and we, the consumers, have concluded that we have every reason to oppose the TPP negotiations. We think this will create a world where the law of the jungle prevails.

Half a year ago, American soldiers came to Tohoku to help the people there recover from the massive earthquake and tsunami. This was called “Operation Tomodachi” and while the word “tomodachi” means “friend” it seems the US Trade Representative represents the “enemy” of the same farmers and fishermen in rural Japan that appreciated the support for Tohoku!

Farming is the backbone of all activities in rural areas, from Okinawa in the south to Hokkaido in the north. Most rice farmers grow rice in the summer and wheat in winter. Both crops would be competing with cheap imports if tariffs are eliminated through “Operation Enemy.” Also, Japanese farmers are properly covered by health insurance and pension systems. This cannot be compared to areas in the United States with a large influx of illegal immigrants that work for large landowners at minimum wage conditions.

To abruptly engage in TPP negotiations is not acceptable for consumers. TPP is not only going to harm Japan’s agricultural sector, but ruin the entire economy in rural areas. This also leads to destruction of the natural environment and food safety concerns. In particular, Consumers Union of Japan is concerned about pressure to change the rules to combat BSE and the mandatory labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Structural reform of agriculture, allowing large-scale corporations to run farms, will be the end of small-scale farming. Such policies are now promoted by the Democratic Party of Japan, in spite of their 2009 election manifest, in which they promised to attach special importance to farmers. Instead, small-scale farming should be seen as the model for others around the world to follow, as it requires less reliance on fossil fuels and promotes biological diversity.

We cannot help but ask if it really is the intention of a small lobby group, the US rice farmers, to cause such terrible distress to millions of people in rural Japan.

Yasuaki Yamaura, CUJ

By fridfrid | 09/11/2011 | Food, FTA, TPP, Trade |

Organic Farming in Japan: Lessons for the World

Report from IFOAM Organic World Congress Part 1

I had the opportunity to participate together with organic farmers and activists from Japan during the IFOAM Organic World Congress held in South Korea in September, 2011. It was the first time the global federation of organic associations held such a large meeting in Asia. Here we will briefly summarize some of the main lessons from Japan as they are relevant to consumers, farmers, and everyone around the world.

Japan Organic Agriculture Association (JOAA) was founded in 1971 and has pioneered so-called Teikei systems, meaning close links between a farmer and a group of consumers. It is similar to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) but Teikei creates stronger connections that also allow the farmers to support the community and the consumers. During the IFOAM conference, Kubota Hiroko, Hayashi Shigenori, and Wakashima Reiko explained Teikei in detail. The workshops were lively with discussion and many questions from the participants from around the world.

(more…)

By fridfrid | 12/10/2011 | Organic Agriculture/Food |

Japan Resources No 153

CUJ JR 153 (pdf) Japan Resources No 153

Japan finds itself in an extraordinary situation, 6 months after the massive 9.0 earthquake and tsunami On March 11, 2011. The nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, where 4 reactors were damaged, is still not under full control. This issue of Japan Resources deals with the aftermath, after a long hot summer with setsuden, voluntary reductions of electricity consumption, as the nation faces an unprecedented energy crisis. Consumers have gotten the message, but much work remains at all levels. We also want to thank everyone for their kind messages of condolences and support.

Feel free to download the pdf file and print it for your library.

– Editors

Contents:

Stop the TPP Agreement
Earthquake and Tsunami in Tohoku
Urgent Proposal Regarding Emergency Measures for Pregnant Women and Children in the Tohoku Region
Food Contaminated by Radioactive Substances
Action June 11: No Nuclear Power
Pollution Problems in Tohoku Need More Attention
Regarding Food Safety

By fridfrid | 07/09/2011 | Food, Japan Resources, Nuclear |

Regarding Food Safety

Some General Observations from the Consumer Perspective Regarding Food Safety in Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster on March 11, 2011

20110711 Regarding Food Safety (PDF version)
July 11, 2011

Martin J. Frid
Consumers Union of Japan

The effects of the extraordinary catastrophe on March 11, 2011 in northeastern Japan are difficult to assess even as four months have passed since the 9.0 earth quake and tsunami. In addition, the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, with radiation leaking from at least four reactors, has led to evacuation of areas in Fukushima prefecture, and restrictions on food grown and produced in certain areas. It is a humanitarian disaster that affects all citizens in the Tohoku region, but specifically its farmers, fishermen and food producers; for consumers, it also poses specific challenges that need to be addressed based on what we know so far.

Testing of food at a public hall in Fukushima city, Japan

This paper will deal with general food safety issues in the wake of the crisis. It is not my aim to discuss the details of the radiation as such, or to go into great detail about the safety standards set by the government or others. We know that measurements of radioactive substances can give some information about the general level of contamination, but making specific statements about the safety of food is much more difficult. On-going official measurements are performed in Japan and the results are continuously published by the Ministry of Health and by the local governments. Also, private groups and non-governmental organizations are performing independent measurement and publishing data and analysis. Moreover, other chemical pollution such as dioxins should be carefully monitored. Based on this, what can be concluded about the general level of safety or risk, looking at it from the perspective of consumers? (more…)

By fridfrid | 13/07/2011 | Chemical pollution, Food, Nuclear |