We set our own standards called "Ryohin Standards" in compliance with laws and　regulations, which determine food additives to be used, and set expiration dates. We strive to reduce the use of food additives by devising the selection of ingredients and the methods of processing and packaging. In June 2023, we also joined the "Japan Food Additives Association" to further ensure food safety and security by strengthening our collection of information, such as safe amounts of food additives and labeling methods, and our understanding of industry trends.

Before launching a new product, we ensure thorough quality control in accordance with the "Ryohin Standards," by verifying whether the specifications and forms are such that quality can be maintained safely until the expiration date, and whether the cooking process is easy for customers to understand. Food products provided for restaurants and cafes, and home meal service also comply with the "Ryohin Standards."

In August 2023, we established the "Food Safety and Security Committee," which actively discusses the prevention of and response to serious accidents, in addition to ongoing inspections of the "Ryohin Standards." The committee meets every other month, and in addition to internal committee members belonging to relevant divisions such as the Product Division and Risk Management Division, external experts participate as advisors.

We audit production factories based on the "Factory Evaluation Survey Sheet" prepared in compliance with international food safety standards such as Codex HACCP, ISO22000, FSSC22000, etc., and only contract with certified factories that have passed the audit. By conducting periodic on-site inspections, we ensure continuous safety and quality improvement.

We gather and internally share feedbacks on our products from our stores, customer inquiries, defects, complaints, and information on other issues through our dedicated in-house system. The information and evaluation received are reflected in the subsequent product development.

We comply with laws and regulations such as the Food Labeling Act, the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, and the Fair Competition Code for product packaging and advertising and endeavor to use appropriate and non-misleading expressions and labeling.

We do not use discriminatory expressions, without failing to take all customers regardless of race, gender, age, etc into consideration. We will ensure that information on product packages does not differ from the contents of the products, and will use simple and accurate language and avoid excessive expressions in product names and copy.

We make our products' information easier to understand in ways such as using icons that indicate the spiciness of curries and decaffeinated beverages.

We regularly update our internal manuals on the safe provision of food considering the introduction of external standards, particularly HACCP, and social conditions.

To ensure compliance with laws and regulations and the "Ryohin Standards," we conduct "Food Labeling Training" for store staff and encourage them to take the Food Labeling Certification Examination to deepen their understanding of food labeling. In addition, we hold in-house briefings on the Guidelines for Food Additive Non-Use Labeling announced by the Consumer Affairs Agency in 2022 and are committed to labeling that does not mislead customers.

Tasting advisor training sessions are held for staff who conduct tastings at stores to educate them on safety management addressing issues including hygiene and allergy management. We actively use recorded data to ensure that as many staff as possible can take the course, and at the same time, check their level of understanding through a test after the course.

We are also strengthening in-house briefings and video distribution on product information, including product background, concepts, cooking methods, and labeling.