The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), concluded its Biotechnology Seminar series with a presentation by Dr. Mari Maeda-Yamamoto from the Institute of Food Research, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Japan. Her lecture, titled “Development of Functional Green Tea Using Functional Food Labeling System in Japan,” explored the evolving role of functional foods in advancing the food healthcare sector.
Dr. Maeda-Yamamoto explained that Japan has a clear and strict classification system for food products. General food products are not permitted to feature health claims. However, there are special categories such as “Foods for Special Dietary Uses” intended for patients, pregnant women, infants, or individuals with swallowing difficulties, which require inspection by the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA).
Furthermore, she highlighted the category of “Foods with Health Claims” (FHC), which is divided into three:
FOSHU (Foods for Specified Health Uses): Implemented since 1991 with strict inspection by the CAA.
FNFC (Foods with Nutrient Function Claims): Implemented since 2001 with established standards, requiring no inspection or registration.
FFC (Foods with Function Claims): Implemented since 2015 with a notification system, where manufacturers can include functional claims with full responsibility for the underlying scientific research.
In this context, green tea is developed as a functional food with health claims based on scientific research. This labeling system ensures that consumers obtain products that are not only safe but also proven to provide health benefits. In addition to discussing the labeling system, Dr. Maeda-Yamamoto touched upon future research directions developed by NARO, aiming to build a system capable of designing optimal personalized diets according to an individual’s physical condition, preferences, and habits.
This research is expected to give rise to a new industry in the field of food healthcare by integrating food, health, and lifestyle. Examples of applications include mental healthcare through agritourism and optimal food, sports performance enhancement through personalized diets, and concentration support through functional food in schools.
Faperta UGM concluded the seminar by affirming that biotechnology plays a role not only in environmental and energy management but also in improving food quality and public health. This seminar is a clear testament to UGM’s contribution to science and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Writer: Beny Nabila Happy Fauziah
Editor: Tantriani
Documentation: Faperta UGM Media Unit