April 22, 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare issued Notification of Medicines, Daily Necessities and Foodstuffs 0422 Notice No. 2, according to the National Institute of Medicine and Food Hygiene’s toxicity test results and the institute's experts’ opinion on 3-acetyl-2 and 5-dimethylfuran, due to concerns of uncertain attitude  towards the possibility as genetic toxicity carcinogens,  therefore, MHLW decided to remove the 2 substances from the list of 18 designated flavoring substances from December 31, 2022.  

   

Since January 1, 2023, the 2 additives, compound additives and food with them shall not be used for sale or for production, importation, processing, use, storage or display.  Products manufactured or imported on or before December 31, 2022 are exempt from the above restrictions.