Safety Initiatives

Tonohata’s 9 initiatives

• Global G.A.P

  We have started our work for Global G.A.P with our designated farmers.

  Based on the Hygiene Management Regulations for places of cultivation, Tonohata has created its own “Ume Cultivation Agriculture Regulations” for its Nanko-Ume, and aims to receive a license by working together with contract farmers by studying and recording the process with them.

• Cultivation Record

  The cultivation of all yields brought in from the farmers are recorded.

  We receive cultivation records from all our farmers for the Nanko-Ume brought in to Tonohata. For the Kishu Nanko-Ume, the farmers dry them in natural sunlight, categorize them according to quality and size, and then measure them into batches of 10 kg, the industry standard. The year of production and the farm name is labeled on the barrels. The different grades of Ume are A (top grade), B, and C. The sizes are S, M, L, 2L, 3L, 4L, and 5L.

• Test for Agricultural Chemicals

  We have set up an agricultural chemical detection system for each of our farms.

  We have set up an agricultural chemical detection system for each of our farms. The safety of our products is already shown by the cultivation records from our farmers, but we have set up our own detection system for further inspection in order to satisfy our high standards.

• Exclusion of the 27 Allergens

  None of our products contain the 27 allergens.

  Tonohata’s products do not use any ingredients which contain the 27 allergens. This is so that everyone from all generations can enjoy our products safely without worrying about their allergies.

• Class 10000 Clean Room

  The packing process is carried out in very hygienic, Class 10000 Clean Rooms.

  Packing is done in the hygienic environment of Class 10000 clean rooms (10000 or less dust particles per cubicle, or 30cm3). There is an air shower at the entrance and exit of the clean rooms, where the staff go in and out. All staff wear gloves, two-layered hats, masks, and specialized clothing and shoes.

• X-Ray Detectors for Foreign Substances

  X-Ray detectors for foreign substances have been set up for all products in order to eradicate foreign objects.

  These detectors are designed to detect Fe 1.0 and Sus 1.0 (the previous metal detector detected Fe 2.5 and Sus 2.5). Furthermore, to test the machine’s function, a test piece is used to record its condition every hour while the work is being carried out.

• Traceability System

  We have set up a traceability system using lot numbers.

  A lot number is printed on each product. For Nanko-Ume, you can see the farmer’s name, among other details. For Chinese Ume, you can see the records of the first process and the cultivation record.

• The Storage of Lot Number Records

  The records for the lot numbers are stored for one year.

  We store the records for the lot numbers for a year. In case there is an enquiry, we can check for the product by searching these records. This lets us see whether there were problems with our customer’s storage methods.

• Our Use of Chinese Ume

  Tonohata works with a local manufacturer to cultivate Ume.

  In order to provide safe Ume, we mainly use Ume from our own Ume farms or contracted Ume farms. You can feel at ease with our Ume, as we have many safeguards in place, such as the inspection for agricultural chemicals, cultivation management, and fertilization management. We have also set up a system so that our Ume can be traced back to its farm.

• Acquisition of FSSC22000 Certification

  Tonohata Co., Ltd. Head Office Plant acquired FSSC22000 Certification. (June 2019)

  FSSC22000 is a certification system aimed to secure the food safety level above a certain level on a global scale, in order to provide safe food to consumers.