Free-Range Certification Introduced for Osaka Expo for the First Time

The Osaka Kansai Expo Association has announced its recognition of the free-range egg certification from the Eco-Design Certification Center as an approved certification scheme. This means it has been recognized as meeting the association’s stringent procurement standards.

However, in practice, the Expo’s procurement guidelines only require the same level of animal welfare as the Tokyo Olympics. As with the Tokyo Games, obtaining JGAP certification is considered sufficient, but the level of animal welfare mandated by JGAP remains relatively low.

While the inclusion of free-range egg certification is a positive step, it’s unlikely that a significant portion of the Expo’s procurement will rely on free-range eggs. Nevertheless, the recognition that “free-range is better” marks a meaningful shift and a step forward.

We would like to express our gratitude to the association and committee members for their thorough review, for inviting us to hearings, and for engaging in productive discussions.

Trasnlated by: Seika.K