NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS developed and operates its own rigorous food testing and quality assurance system, which detects hazardous substances by monitoring food handling and processing safety from the farm to the table.
In 2002, we established the Food Safety Research Institute to develop a scientifically based quality assurance infrastructure to ensure delivery of safe food products that customers can enjoy with peace of mind. The institute samples daily production to confirm quality through central control, tests for hazardous substance content, and develops testing procedures for new hazardous substances. Through plant inspections and quality process control, it plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of our products. Furthermore, in January 2007 the FOOD SAFETY EVALUATION & RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD. in Shanghai, China perfected a system for ensuring that only highquality raw materials are sent from China to Japan.
In the area of hazardous substance control, we have developed and implemented NASRAD-600, a system for the simultaneous analysis of traces of agricultural chemicals and veterinary pharmaceuticals, and a method of analyzing hazardous substances such as allergenic substances. Furthermore, in April 2008 the Food Safety Research Institute obtained certification for ISO/IEC 17025 (the international standard for testing capabilities and management systems) on analyses of residual agricultural chemicals, veterinary pharmaceuticals and microbe tests, and it continues to upgrade our quality control systems.
Laboratories simultaneously analyze for hundreds of residual agricultural chemicals, feed additives and veterinary pharmaceuticals in agricultural and marine products.
The Food Safety Research Institute also performs plant safety inspections based on Nissin's Inspection Standards for Food Safety (NISFOS), established in 2004. These inspections cover five areas: food safety management systems, general hazardous substance countermeasures, manufacturing standards, facilities maintenance, and sanitation at plants. Inspection results are expressed numerically as "NISFOS points," and the institute will provide remedial guidance and quality control systems support to any plant that receives a low score.
Products are manufactured under strict hygienic conditions that assure compliance with the Nissin Foods Group standards for product consistency, flavor and safety.
In response to the accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Station following the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, the Food Safety Research Institute has devised an independent internal inspection system. It is capable of detecting radioactive substances in the water and raw materials used in the manufacture of the NISSIN FOODS Group's products and in finished products.