Others that appear on the list include isomaltodextranase, chitin, quercetin, mulberry bark extract, ginger extract and calcinated calcium and Eucalyptus leaf extract.
But it is believed the bans are not on the ingredients par se, just specific forms that have slipped out of usage. The USDA said the MHLW was requesting additional information from the companies concerned that may wish to continue using the ingredients.
If cuts are made Japans approved list will shrink from 418 to 293 approved substances.
“The stated reason for the deletions is that the ministry believes these additives are not currently being used in foods sold in Japan,” USDA said.
“MHLW has requested that companies wishing to avoid deletion of any of these substances submit documentation on their use by January 8, 2010. Once these additives have been deleted from the list, they will no longer be allowed for use in foods in Japan. Likewise, any imported foods found to contain a residue of these substances would not be allowed to be sold in Japan.”
