Publication of the Safety Opinion Document (Stakeholder Consultation Version):Results of the Stakeholder Consultation on “Risk Assessment and Management Policies for Cell-Based Foods in Japan (Experts’ Draft)” and Release of the Revised Version Reflecting the Comments
2025年11月10日
Report and Background
The Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture (JACA) has prepared a document titled “Risk Assessment and Management Policies for Cell-Based Foods in Japan” (hereinafter referred to as the “Experts’ Draft”) with the aim of contributing to the development of expert knowledge in the field of cell-based foods in Japan.
To incorporate a broader range of perspectives, JACA invited comments on the draft individually from experts, practitioners, consumer organizations, and other relevant stakeholders — a process referred to as the “stakeholder consultation procedure.”
As a result of this process, JACA has compiled the opinions received and its corresponding responses into a summary report. In addition, we are pleased to announce the release of the updated version of the opinion document (hereinafter referred to as the “Stakeholder Consultation Version”), which reflects the feedback collected.
The materials produced through this initiative are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Method of Soliciting Opinions
In addition to the comments received during the Q&A session of the explanatory meeting held by the Food Tech Public-Private Council / Cellular Agriculture Working Team (WT)* of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), JACA also invited individual feedback from experts with specialized knowledge in fields such as consumer communication, food safety, and the bioindustry.
The “Experts’ Draft” and the corresponding response form were sent by email to those who kindly agreed to cooperate, and written responses were received via email as well. The consultation period was from May 15 to June 20, 2025.
*As of July 18, a total of 82 participants (including both organizations and individuals) were registered members of the Working Team.
Contributors and Organizations
Domestic: 8 individuals, 11 companies/organizations
Overseas: 8 companies/organizations
Categories of Perspectives Invited
- Safety: Perspectives from experts in food safety and biotechnology
- Developers / Industry: Perspectives from developers and business operators, reflecting the latest technologies and on-site conditions
- Consumers: Perspectives from those in positions closer to consumers
Number of Comments Received
Total: 272 comments (including statements indicating no particular concerns)
Domestic: 166 comments (of which 35 were requested to remain confidential)
Overseas: 106 comments
List of Contributors and Organizations
Domestic (in Japanese alphabetical order, AI translation) / Overseas (in alphabetical order)
Safety:
- Hideaki Karaki, Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
- Hiroshi Suzuki, Lecturer, Research Management Organization, Niigata University
- Takeshi Haga, Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
- Keitaro Yamanouchi, Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
- The Japanese Tissue Culture Association, Committee on Cell Culture Education
- René Viñas, Corporate Toxicologist, UPSIDE Foods
- Hideki Katagiri, Attorney at Law, Nishimura & Asahi (Foreign Law Joint Enterprise)
Developers / Industry:
- Masukazu Inoie, Advisor, Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd.
- Japan Bioindustry Association, Food Bio Plus Research Group
- BlueNalu, Inc.
- Calisa Lim, Senior Project Manager, APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture
- Hoxton Farms
- Klaus Kienle, Co-Founder and Chief Production Officer, Food Brewer AG (Switzerland)
- Dr. Maya Benami, Membership and Development Associate, The Association for Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Innovation
- Noam Haba, Regulatory Affairs Director, Aleph Farms
- Vipul Jain, Business Development Manager, Cellular Agriculture Ltd.
Consumer organization:
- Yoshiko Sassa, “Kurashi to Bio Plaza 21” (NPO, Life and Bio Plaza 21)
Other:
- Yasuhiro Fujitani, Perspective based on experience in ensuring the safety of animal feed (including insect-derived feed)
※The names and affiliations listed above are based on the preferences of the contributors. The classification of perspectives was also determined by each individual and does not necessarily reflect their affiliation or field of expertise.
Download Materials
Please find below the materials related to this activity.
Summary of Comments Collected through the Stakeholder Consultation Process (Japanese)
→https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RbaBlPO8WRedIwqYaRpEeMV7zGhsWK3g/view
Full List of Comments and Responses (Japanese)
→ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wzOyTOAhNdu2nlXBrrM19t3sdlPg7cUo/view