What is Functional Labeled Food?

Functional Labeled Food is a food product that can display claims about specific health benefits based on scientific evidence. By submitting a notification to the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), businesses can display functions such as "supports digestive health" or "helps reduce fat absorption" on their packaging.

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Types of Health-Related Foods

Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU)

Government-approved individually

A system where the CAA reviews and approves scientific evidence on a product-by-product basis. Products display the FOSHU mark. The review process is rigorous and costly.

Nutritional Function Foods

Standard-based (no notification required)

For 20 types of nutrients including vitamins and minerals, functional claims can be made without notification if national standard criteria are met.

Functional Labeled Food

Self-certified by businesses

Businesses can display functions by submitting scientific evidence to the CAA. No government approval required, but notification content is made public.

Key Features of Functional Labeled Food

Evidence-Based Claims

Functionality is displayed based on scientific evidence such as systematic reviews or clinical trials. Supporting papers are publicly available in the CAA database.

CAA Notification Required

Businesses must submit information on product safety and functionality to the CAA at least 60 days before sale. Notification content is made public.

Processed & Fresh Foods Eligible

Both processed foods (supplements, beverages, confectionery, etc.) and fresh foods (vegetables, fish, etc.) are eligible.

No Government Approval Needed

Unlike FOSHU, individual government review and approval is not required. Businesses are responsible for the accuracy of their claims.

Notification Process

Gather Scientific Evidence

Collect and organize research papers and clinical trial data demonstrating the efficacy and safety of the functional ingredient.

Internal Review / Self-Certification

Check whether the collected evidence meets notification requirements, either internally or with external experts.

Submit Notification to CAA

Submit required documents to the CAA notification database at least 60 days before the planned sales date.

Public Database Listing

After notification is accepted, product name, functionality, and supporting papers are published on the CAA website.

Sales Begin

Sales can begin 60 days after the notification date. Functional claims may now appear on the packaging.

Eligible Food Types

Supplements

Beverages / Tea

Yogurt

Snacks / Foods

Fresh Foods

Other Processed

Important Notice

Functional Labeled Foods are not medicines. They are not intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent disease.
The stated effects may vary by individual.
Notification content is not reviewed or approved by the government — businesses display claims at their own responsibility.
Disease risk reduction claims are limited to specific nutrients only (e.g., folic acid, calcium).

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Search over 0 functional labeled foods notified to the Consumer Affairs Agency
by ingredient, function, or company name.

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