KOIKEYA, giant snack company to extend the expiration dates for SDGs goal.

Koikeya, a leading snack company, implements extended expiration dates as part of its sustainable development goals (SDGs) strategy. By optimizing product shelf life, Koikeya aims to enhance consumer satisfaction, reduce food waste, and improve overall environmental sustainability. This proactive approach not only aligns with SDGs objectives but also strengthens Koikeya’s brand image as a socially responsible and forward-thinking organization in the snack industry.

Koikeya Co., Ltd. (President: Akira Sato) is committed to sustainable development goals (SDGs) activities through food-related initiatives, aiming to achieve a sustainable society. Starting from April 2024, the company will implement an extension of the expiration dates and year-month labeling as initiatives contributing to reducing food loss and improving the efficiency of the logistics industry.

1. Significance of Expiration Date Extension and Year-Month Labeling:
In line with the efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Consumer Affairs Agency to reassess safety factors and standardize expiration date labeling, and with growing interest in food loss reduction due to expanding SDGs activities, Koikeya aims to contribute to reducing food loss throughout the supply chain and minimizing expiration-related waste in households and disposal costs through expiration date extension. Additionally, year-month labeling aims to enhance efficiency in distribution, storage, and logistics, as well as to improve work efficiency at retail outlets by reducing date reversal.

2. Details of Expiration Date Extension and Year-Month Labeling:
By revising the “Expiration Date Setting Criteria,” which sets guidelines for expiration date designation, and conducting re-evaluation of conventional storage test data and inspections of products 1 to 3 months beyond the conventional expiration date, it has been confirmed that an extension of expiration dates by 2 to 3 months is feasible. Furthermore, considering that year-month labeling beyond three months is permissible under the food labeling standards established by the Consumer Affairs Agency, transitioning to year-month labeling is deemed appropriate as part of efforts contributing to SDGs activities through food.

3. Overview of Changes:
Potato-based products: Year-month-day labeling extended from 6 months to 8 months.
Corn-based products: Year-month-day labeling extended from 8 months to 10 months.
※ Some exceptions apply.

4. Implementation Date:
Effective for products manufactured on or after April 1, 2024.

Source: KOIKEYA press release 5th April 2024