Food allergy labels in Japan: the 9 required items and where they do not apply
Packaged foods in Japan must show 9 allergens, including cashew nuts since April 2026. The rule is for packaged processed food, so tell restaurant staff about your allergy.
The 9 required allergens
Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency requires labels on packaged processed foods when they contain these "specified ingredients":
- Shrimp, crab
- Wheat, buckwheat (soba)
- Egg, milk
- Peanuts, walnuts
- Cashew nuts
Cashew nuts were added on 1 April 2026. Walnuts were added in March 2023.
A transition period for cashew nuts
The agency set a two-year transition period for the cashew change. During this time, some packages may show cashew nuts and some older ones may not. Do not rely on a missing cashew label alone if you are allergic.
Where the rule applies
The agency says the mandatory labeling applies to packaged processed foods. A restaurant menu or food sold without a package is not covered in the same way.
- At a restaurant, tell the staff about your allergy before you order.
- The agency publishes a Food Allergy Communication Sheet in English that you can show.
Reading the label
Allergens are written in Japanese on the package. Look for the allergen line near the ingredient list and compare it with the Japanese names: えび (shrimp), かに (crab), 小麦 (wheat), そば (buckwheat), 卵 (egg), 乳 (milk), 落花生 (peanut), くるみ (walnut), カシューナッツ (cashew nut).
FAQ
Are restaurant dishes labeled for allergens?
The labeling law covers packaged processed foods. Always tell restaurant staff about your allergy directly.
When did cashew nuts become required?
The agency says cashew nuts were added on 1 April 2026, with a two-year transition period.
Sources
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Last checked: 2026-10-28. Rules and prices can change, so please confirm with the official sources above.