On 29 September 2016, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), in response to an inquiry from citizens' organizations, indicated its view on a review of GM food labeling. CAA stated that it will consider a review of the GM food labeling system on the basis of the results from three investigations to be carried out during this fiscal year (1. An investigation of soy sauce and edible oil, etc. items subject to labeling, 2. A field survey of the distribution of GM soy and GM maize imported from the USA and Canada, and 3. An awareness survey conducted by CAA). CAA is aware of the more rigorous application of labeling systems being implemented around the world and the situation regarding labeling in various countries, and while referring to these in a specialist meeting is considering the matter while taking into account the possibilities for implementation based in the current distribution situation in Japan. The response was given orally by the aid to the head of the CAA Food Labeling Planning Department, Ms. Mayu Nishikawa, to a question posed by citizens' organizations, including the No! GMO Campaign, when submitting a petition demanding strict GM food labeling.

As noted in the previous issue (BJ October 2016), on 19 October 2016 the Food Safety Commission specialist investigation panel for GM foods began its investigation on the oil produced from vegetable raw materials by Cargill Canada, for which MHLW instructed suspension of imports and sales due to the use of an illegal GM food additive. Under investigation is the GM lipase manufactured by Novozymes of Denmark, used for the purpose of removing impurities during the manufacturing process of oils and fats.