Customer Safety and Health

Improved access to more nutritious foods
　In April 2023, our Functional Foods Division was given a new Japanese name with the aim of growing through contributions to people and society based on the functions of foods. We are working on shifting to new business areas to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society and helping people be healthy through the functions of food products. Firstly, regarding the realization of a sustainable society, we believe that it is essential to resolve issues such as global population growth and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. We are focusing on developing products that can contribute to the reduction of food loss and the spread of meat-substitute proteins by extending the shelf life of breads and pastries by prolonging their texture, and improving the juiciness of processed foods made with plant-based proteins. With regard to helping people be healthy, accelerating the development of effective health foods, such as foods with functional claims, will play an important role. On the other hand, some materials for health food have significant problems with their flavor and physical properties that make their use in health food products difficult. We are conducting research to improve the flavor and physical properties of ingredients through our division’s oil and fat coating technology, which will contribute to the further spread of health foods.


Participation in industry initiatives on processed food safety
　NOF has joined the Japan Margarine Shortening & Lard Industries Association, whose basic philosophy is food safety and security and stable supply, and whose activities are aimed at enriching the daily lives of consumers through the use of edible oils. In particular, the Technology Committee conducts surveys and research on the safety of edible oils, and actively provides information on edible oils to consumers.


Improving access to pharmaceuticals
　DDS is a technology that enhances the effects of drugs by adjusting their physiological activity, targeting lesions, yielding chemical stability, adjusting metabolic activity, and other means, so that they act at the required place in the body in the required amount for the required time. This technology makes it possible to reduce the side effects of drugs and the frequency of daily injections. NOF is advancing this research and contributing to improving the quality of life (QOL) and access to pharmaceuticals for patients who need them.
　In addition, PCR test kits and antigen test kits were widely used as diagnostic pharmaceuticals for COVID-19, which spread aggressively world-wide. As global warming progresses and new infectious diseases emerge, the demand for diagnostic pharmaceuticals is expected to increase. Therefore, NOF is promoting the development of technologies that contribute to improving the quality and performance of diagnostic pharmaceuticals. We make it possible to rapidly provide these to a wide range of people, thereby contributing to improved access and people’s health and hygiene.

Marketing and Labeling

Statements and policies regarding responsibility for marketing and promoting processed foods
　The Functional Foods Division provides commercial food products such as edible oils, functional food materials, and materials for health food to manufacturers of bread, confectionery, processed foods, and health foods for consumers. For labeling and advertising consumer food products, the information is based on the integrated data of each ingredient used in the food products, including raw materials, allergens, genetically modified substances, and the country of origin of the ingredients. To ensure that labels and advertisements are prepared correctly at consumer food manufacturers, we comply with food labeling laws and regulations and provide appropriate information to consumer food manufacturers.


Compliance for advertising, marketing, and labeling of processed foods
　At the Daishi Plant, where the Functional Foods Division’s products are manufactured, we have obtained the FSSC 22000 certification, an international certification for food safety, and operate the plant under its management system. Within the management system, there are requirements related to food labeling. In addition to regularly checking the latest food-related regulations, we also provide regular compliance training on food defense and food fraud for the employees at the Daishi Plant. In addition, because correct food labeling is based on raw material information, we regularly evaluate raw material suppliers and conduct audits of suppliers when necessary. Through these activities, we manufacture our products using raw materials sourced only from trustworthy suppliers.

Customer privacy

　NOF recognizes that compliance is the foundation of the company. We believe it is important to prevent any violation of laws, regulations, or the Code of Ethical Conduct from becoming serious or prolonged by preventing them or quickly taking corrective actions. We have set up our Compliance Hotline on our website for our business partners and other external parties.
　To date, we have not received any reports through the Compliance Hotline.

　Total number of substantiated complaints concerning breaches of customer privacy
　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　（NOF Group）：0

　Total number of customer data breaches, thefts, and losses　（NOF Group）：0

Transportation safety

　The NOF Group is promoting the reduction of the environmental load in transportation, while at the same time engaging in activities to ensure the safety of products in transport. The Group has always treated transportation safety with desirable care, as it handles a wide range of hazardous materials.

Yellow Card
　Should an accident occur during the trans-portation of chemical substances, it could have dire consequences on human life, the neighboring area, the cargo, and the road. The Yellow Card states the measures transport operators, the fire brigade, and the police should take as well as contact and notification information, in the event of such an accident. The NOF Group strictly requires that such cards should be provided to transport operators involved, who are also required to carry the card with the corresponding product while in transportation.