Japan: allergens

“Law” is a binding rule. “Official guidance” is not law, but inspectors expect it. “Chef Hygiene default” is a value the app checks against where no rule gives a number.

• LawFor packaged food, 9 allergens are mandatory: egg, milk, wheat, shrimp, crab, buckwheat, peanut, walnut and, since 1 April 2026, cashew nut (food made by 31 March 2028 may keep its old labels). The Consumer Affairs Agency also lists recommended ones. Restaurants have no labelling duty; telling customers what is in each dish is voluntary, and our advice.