Food Bank Development - Current Status in the 2020s (October 2020)

Food Bank Development - Current Status in the 2020s (October 2020)

As we enter the 2020s, the role of food banks in Japan is becoming even more important amid growing concerns about environmental pollution and food safety. In particular, the accumulation of heavy metals, dioxins, and other toxic substances in food due to environmental pollution has become an issue, and monitoring systems are being strengthened throughout Japan.

In Fukushima Prefecture, for example, safety inspections of agricultural and marine products are strictly enforced due to the ongoing effects of radioactive cesium-137 following the 2011 nuclear power plant accident. In addition, only rice and vegetables produced in Fukushima are controlled to ensure that only those that meet strict standards based on the results of radiation tests make it to the market.

Furthermore, in Ise Bay in Mie Prefecture, mercury and cadmium contamination from industrial effluent is serious, and monitoring of marine products is ongoing. In response, a nationwide network of food banks is working together to regularly analyze food samples while keeping them frozen.

Companies are also actively cooperating, with Nichirei, known for its freezing technology, and Marubeni, a general trading company, providing state-of-the-art freezing equipment to the food banks. Nichirei, in particular, has established a system to maintain food quality over a long period of time by utilizing ultra-low temperature freezing technology at -60°C. This technology ensures the safety of food products. This technology enhances efforts to reduce food loss while ensuring food safety.

In addition, governments and companies are implementing systems to manage food bank data using blockchain technology. This has improved the traceability of food products, allowing for faster detection and response to food products affected by contaminants. Furthermore, by 2020, approximately 1.5 million tons of food will be managed annually through the food bank, helping to ensure food safety and build a sustainable food system.