Morinaga & Co., Ltd. (TYO 2201) today announced that it will change its best-before date labeling from a year-month-day format to a year-month format for some of its products, including Ottotto, Wheat Germ Crackers, and Angel Pie (including Mini Angel Pie).
Food loss (when food that can still be eaten is thrown away) amounts to 6.43 million tons per year in Japan (source: “FY2016 Estimate”: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Ministry of the Environment). The Act on Promoting Food Loss Reduction (Food Loss Act) went into effect on October 1, and further food loss reduction is becoming a social imperative. Reduction of food loss is said to help not only to reduce waste, but also to reduce greenhouse gasses emitted during the series of processes from foodstuff production to transportation and consumption as a result of more appropriate production practices.
The Company has long endeavored to improve quality retention by focusing on a wide range of factors, including raw materials, packaging specifications, and manufacturing technologies. Now, by switching from the year-month-day format to a year-month format for best-before date labeling, the Company will promote reduction of food loss throughout the entire supply chain.
In accordance with the Morinaga Group vision “Delicious, Fun, and Healthy”, the Group aims to contribute to resolving societal issues and creating a sustainable society through food and engages in CSR activities in coordination and cooperation with stakeholders. Also, in accordance with the Morinaga Group Environmental Policy, the Group promotes the creation of a sustainable circular economy. The Morinaga Group will continue to review best-before date labeling and make efforts to further extend best-before periods in order to further reduce food loss.
