When shopping at a Japanese supermarket or convenience store, you will encounter two main patterns for allergen labeling on packaged foods.
Two Patterns of Labeling
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Individual Labeling: The allergen is written in parentheses immediately after each specific ingredient (e.g., "Butter (contains milk)").
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Collective Labeling: All allergens are listed together in one place at the end of the ingredients list.
Essential Kanji to Look For
Look for these common phrases in the ingredients list (原材料名):
- 「〜を含む」 (contains...)
- 「〜由来」 (derived from...)
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「原材料の一部に...を含む」 (contains... as part of the ingredients)
The Restaurant Rule
Please note that allergen labeling is not required for restaurant menus, bakeries, or freshly made deli items. We highly recommend using an Allergy Communication Sheet to show staff directly.The Restaurant Rule
- Manufacturing Facility Notes: Some products may include a note such as “This product is manufactured in a facility that also processes ○○”. These precautionary statements are voluntary, and their absence does not mean the product was made in an allergen-free facility.
- International Labeling Differences: Some allergens that must be labeled in other countries may not be labeled in Japan.
- Restaurant & Bakery Alert: Allergen labeling is mandatory for packaged processed foods, but not required for restaurant menus, bakeries, or freshly made sweets.
- The "Dashi" Caution: Be aware that many foods, including broths, contain various seafoods or hidden allergens