Voluntary Code for Labeling low-alcohol liqueurs
JSLMA established voluntary standards for low-alcohol liqueurs and spirits with an alcohol content of less than 10% (so-called canned chu-hi) to prevent confusion with non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and fruit juices. These standards were established in 2000 (Alcohol Mark), 2001 (Ingredients), and 2002 (Specific Matters).
Since then, the association has continued to hold committee and board meetings to deliberate on whether its voluntary standards for product and advertising labeling are adapting to changes in the social environment, as part of its social responsibility as a liquor manufacturer.
In recent revisions, effective November 2006, a restriction was imposed limiting the size of fruit images and photographs on canned containers to one-quarter (25%) of the displayable area. From January 2008, this restriction was extended to all advertising, including television and posters. Furthermore, from November 2009, it was agreed that if the fruit juice content exceeds 90%, the product should be labeled as "over 90% fruit juice."
Since then, the association has continued to hold committee and board meetings to deliberate on whether its voluntary standards for product and advertising labeling are adapting to changes in the social environment, as part of its social responsibility as a liquor manufacturer.
In recent revisions, effective November 2006, a restriction was imposed limiting the size of fruit images and photographs on canned containers to one-quarter (25%) of the displayable area. From January 2008, this restriction was extended to all advertising, including television and posters. Furthermore, from November 2009, it was agreed that if the fruit juice content exceeds 90%, the product should be labeled as "over 90% fruit juice."
(1) Voluntary Code regarding the Alcohol mark
Established in 2000 by the JSLMA
This Voluntary Code was established to prevent consumers from mistakenly consuming alcohol as a soft drink or fruit juice. It applies to low-alcohol liqueurs with an alcohol content of less than 10% (so-called canned chu-hi), and aims to prevent misidentification by displaying an "alcohol" mark on the container.
The Japan Western-Style Liquor Brewers Association enlarged the size of this mark in 2002 to further clarify its purpose.
As a general rule, the mark should be displayed at the bottom of the main display surface. If there are two or more main surfaces, the mark should be displayed on each surface.
The Japan Western-Style Liquor Brewers Association enlarged the size of this mark in 2002 to further clarify its purpose.
As a general rule, the mark should be displayed at the bottom of the main display surface. If there are two or more main surfaces, the mark should be displayed on each surface.
(2) Voluntary Code regarding ingredient labeling for low-alcohol liqueurs
Established in 2001 by the JSLMA
This Voluntary Code was established to protect consumers' ability to make informed choices about low-alcohol liqueurs (so-called canned chu-hi) with an alcohol content of less than 10%, by requiring them to display a breakdown of the ingredients used.
The labeling should include the following items in order of quantity used:
1. Alcoholic beverages
2. Fruits, fruit juices, flavorings, and other items
3. Sugars
4. Food additives, etc.
The labeling should include the following items in order of quantity used:
1. Alcoholic beverages
2. Fruits, fruit juices, flavorings, and other items
3. Sugars
4. Food additives, etc.
(3) Voluntary Code regarding labeling of specific items
Established in 2002 by the JSLMA
These Voluntary Code establish labeling criteria for low-alcohol liqueurs and spirits with an alcohol content of less than 10%, and similar products (so-called canned chu-hi), in order to protect the appropriate product choices of general consumers. These standards cover the following items:
１ Display of the percentage of fruit juice used
２ Method of displaying product names, etc.
３ Method of displaying fruit illustrations, photographs, etc.
４ Prohibitions on misleading labeling for consumers, etc.
１ Display of the percentage of fruit juice used
２ Method of displaying product names, etc.
３ Method of displaying fruit illustrations, photographs, etc.
４ Prohibitions on misleading labeling for consumers, etc.
