How Baby Formula Is Regulated in Japan
In Japan, infant formula products, including powdered and liquid forms, are regulated as a “Food for Special Dietary Uses” (特別用途食品) under the Health Promotion Act. Products marketed as infant formula must comply with the standards for infant formula and obtain approval for their labeling from the Consumer Affairs Agency.
This means that infant formula products sold in Japan must:
- Meet strict nutritional and comositional standards specified by the government
- Be approved and labeled by the Consumer Affairs Agency
- Contain specified amounts of energy and nutrients appropriate for infants under 1 year
One important distinction: follow-up milk in Japan is generally treated as a regular food rather than as a “Food for Special Dietary Uses.” It is not subject to the same government approval and compositional standards that apply to infant formula. Follow-up milk is usually intended for children from around 9 months of age and older, as a supplement to weaning foods, so parents should check the product label carefully.
How Does This Compare to the US and EU?
| Japan | USA | EU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory body | Consumer Affairs Agency, with relevant MHLW-related food safety standards | Food and Drug Administration | European Commission / EU regulations, with EFSA scientific advice |
| Classification | Food for Special Dietary Uses | Infant formula regulated under the FD&C Act | Infant formula / follow-on formula under EU foods-for-specific-groups legislation |
| Iron requirements | Required | Required | Required |
| DHA | Not legally mandated, but commonly included | Not legally mandated | Mandated under EU rules |
| Organic options | Limited | Available | Widely available |
| Corn syrup / glucose syrup as carbohydrate source | Not commonly used in standard formulas | Permitted and used in some formulas | More restricted; not typically used as “corn syrup” |
The key takeaway: All three regulatory systems require safety and nutritional syandards. The biggest practical difference is that EU regulations mandate DHA, while Japan and the US do not — though in practice, however, most, if not all, major Japanese formula brands include DHA.
Japanese Baby Formula Brands at a Glance
All major Japanese brands meet the same government nutritional standards, so the differences between them are relatively minor. Here’s a quick overview:
(All links are to Amazon.co.jp)
| Brand | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Meiji Hohoemi | Widely used in Japan; cube format and liquid format available for easy measuring and portability | Families using formula for the first time, or those who prioritize convenience |
| Morinaga Hagukumi | Contains lactoferrin; designed based on breast milk research Liquid format available | Families who prefer a formula designed with reference to breast milk composition. Avoid describing it as specifically for “digestive sensitivity” unless medically indicated |
| Wakodo HaiHai | A long-established Japanese formula brand; designed with breast milk components in mind and contains DHA and arachidonic acid | Families looking for a standard, widely available Japanese infant formula |
| Glico ICREO | Contains arachidonic acid and α-linolenic acid, a precursor of DHA; designed with attention to taste, color, and aroma closer to breast milk Liquid format available | Families who prioritize ingredient profile and breast milk-inspired formulation |
| Snow Brand / Bean Stalk Sukoyaka M1 | Developed based on breast milk research; contains nutrients such as calcium and phospholipids Liquid format available | General use as a standard Japanese infant formula |
| Morinaga E-Akachan | Peptide-based formula; all cow’s milk protein is partially broken down to help reduce digestive burden | Families who prefer a formula designed with extra consideration for immature digestion. This is not a hypoallergenic formula and should not be used as a treatment for cow’s milk allergy unless advised by a physician |
| Snow Brand Megmilk Pure | Standard Japanese infant formula developed based on breast milk research; contains DHA, oligosaccharides, sialic acid, and choline | Families looking for a widely available, standard Japanese infant formula, especially when cost performance and everyday use are priorities |
Special Needs Formulas Available in Japan
- Lactose intolerance: Morinaga Nonlact, Meiji Milfy HP, Wakodo Bonlact-i
- Cow’s milk allergy: Meiji Milfy HP, Meiji Elemental Formula, Morinaga New MA-1, Wakodo Bonlact-i
- Soy-based: Wakodo Bonlact-i
Note: Specialty formulas should always be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Japan vs. Western Formula: The Key Differences
1. Sweeteners
One of the most significant differences is the choice of carbohydrate source. Some US formulas use corn syrup or other glucose-based carbohydrates. Japanese formulas generally use lactose as the main carbohydrate — which is the primary sugar found in breast milk.
EU regulations are more restrictive about carbohydrate sources in infant formula. Rather than saying that corn syrup is simply “prohibited,” it is more accurate to say that the EU places tighter limits on glucose-based carbohydrates, and lactose is generally emphasized as the main carbohydrate source in standard formulas.
2. Iron Content
Japanese formulas meet government-mandated iron requirements. US formulas tend to have higher iron levels overall, which reflects different nutrition policies and feeding recommendations between countries. Neither approach is inherently “right” or “wrong”; regulated infant formulas in each region are designed to meet infants’ nutritional needs within that country’s regulatory framework.
3. DHA and ARA
Most major Japanese formula brands include DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) for brain and eye development. However, DHA is not legally required in Japanese or U.S. infant formula. In contrast, EU regulations have required DHA in infant formula since 2020.
4. Additives and Extras
Japanese formulas often include:
- Lactoferrin — a protein found in colostrum with immune-supporting properties (Morinaga is particularly known for this)
- Oligosaccharides — prebiotic-type carbohydrates that support healthy gut bacteria
- Nucleotides — involved in normal growth and development
These aren’t unique to Japan, but Japanese brands tend to emphasize them in their formulations.
5. Taste and Texture
Many parents who switch between Japanese and Western formulas notice differences in taste, smell, and how easily the powder dissolves. Japanese formulas are often described as mild-tasting and easy to dissolve, although this can vary by brand.
Babies may also prefer the formula they are already used to, so resistance to switching can happen regardless of whether the formula is Japanese, American, or European.
Can You Bring Japanese Formula Abroad?
Yes, many families do bring Japanese formula abroad. Japanese formula is popular among some families living overseas, especially in parts of Asia and among Japanese expatriate families.
Practical tips:
- Powdered infant formula is generally allowed in carry-on luggage, but screening rules vary by country and airport, so check the rules for your airline and destination before traveling.
- Liquid formula, prepared formula, and baby water may be allowed in quantities over 100 mL when traveling with an infant, but they may require additional security screening.
- Meiji Hohoemi cube format is especially travel-friendly because it is pre-measured, individually sealed, and easy to use on the go.
- Japanese formula may be available through online retailers in some countries, but availability, pricing, and import rules vary.
Where to Buy Japanese Formula
In Japan:
- Pharmacies (薬局) — best selection
- Baby stores (Akachan Honpo, Babies”R”Us Japan)
- Supermarkets and convenience stores (for major brands)
- Online: Amazon Japan, Rakuten
Outside Japan:
- Online marketplaces, depending on the country
- Japanese grocery stores and import shops
- Specialty baby-product retailers that carry imported formulas
When buying formula outside Japan, always check the product’s expiration date, storage condition, seller reliability, and whether the product complies with the import rules of your country.
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