Customer Responsibility: Initiatives

As a global company. MC publishes its corporate website and brochure in both Japanese and English.
Additionally, to ensure accurate information disclosure to local audiences, MC operates regional websites in Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.

MC has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on its corporate website and endeavors to respond to inquiries as quickly as possible. In addition, relevant divisions promptly address customer inquiries via the Head Office’s main telephone line.

In the food-related business, which is directly linked to consumers, MC works to address various challenges through its operations.

Lawson, Inc., an MC affiliate company, manages and operates convenience stores. Lawson is closely connected to consumers within the food products value chain and undertakes the following initiatives:

Lawson is committed to supporting healthy, long-lived lifestyles, an approach made possible by its aspiration to be ”close” to customers and provide confidence that a Lawson store is always nearby. Lawson has introduced its "Meal Solutions" initiative, which aims to offer healthy everyday food. This initiative provides a wide range of meals, ensures convenience, and incorporates health considerations. It is highly regarded by consumers seeking not only quick and easy meals but also options that support a healthy diet. Additionally, Lawson offers “self-medication support” for customers concerned about their health, providing consultation services to help maintain well-being.

Lawson's products are labeled in compliance with food labeling laws. Lawson also works to display allergen information for its original products on its website. All labeling information is checked internally and by external organizations to ensure customer safety.

To prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes to individuals under 20 years of age (the legal drinking and smoking age in Japan), Lawson displays a notice on the point-of-sale (POS) screen visible to customers, stating that such sales are prohibited. At the POS, customers who appear to be under 20 are asked to confirm their age with an ID card. In addition to providing regular training for store employees, Lawson displays posters and makes in-store announcements to encourage customer understanding and cooperation.

From crime prevention and disaster preparedness to safety measures and children’s health initiatives, expectations for convenience stores to play a broader role in society continue to grow. To meet these expectations, the Lawson Group participates in the Safety Station activities of the Japan Franchise Association, helping to build safe and secure communities and promote healthy environments for young people. Lawson also implements anti-crime measures to combat theft and other crimes, while supporting women and children who seek safe harbor in-store.

When people with food allergies consume an allergen, it can trigger anaphylaxis. Similarly, consuming large quantities of certain substances can harm one’s health. To prevent such issues, MC strives to label its food products clearly and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. To ensure consumers understand product characteristics and can make informed purchasing decisions based on health and other factors, Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co., Ltd., Lawson, Inc. and other operating companies prioritize compliance with laws and regulations such as Japan’s Food Labeling Act. These companies provide easy-to-understand information from the consumer’s perspective, including clear allergen warnings and notices against underage drinking and drunk driving.

As a company engaged in the healthcare sector, MC works with its Group companies on the following initiatives to help provide people in Japan and around the world with better access to healthcare.

A subsidiary of MC Healthcare Holdings, Inc., (a MC consolidated subsidiary in Japan) contributes to improving hospital operations and strengthening domestic medical systems through procurement and inventory control of medical supplies and equipment, group purchasing, and development, import, and sale of medical devices. It is also leveraging its experience and expertise in the rapidly growing Chinese market.
Nippon Care Supply Co., Ltd. is a pioneering provider of rental welfare equipment and in-home nursing care services. To enhance the quality of life for the elderly and enable them to continue living independently in familiar surroundings, Nippon Care Supply conducts its core business of renting welfare equipment and also supplies services such as meal delivery to day service facilities and other institutions. Through these efforts, Nippon Care Supply contributes to building a healthy longevity society where all senior citizens can live comfortably and with peace of mind.

As a convenience store closely connected to consumers, Lawson, Inc., an MC affiliate, focuses on the sale of pharmaceutical products to provide convenience in an aging society and help curb national healthcare costs. Since 2003, Lawson has been developing stores with drug dispensing pharmacies on-site to create community pharmacies. From the perspective of promoting self-medication, Lawson has fostered alliances with dispensing pharmacies and drugstore chains throughout Japan and offers over-the-counter medicines (non-prescription drugs) in its stores. Additionally, as part of a community-based initiative, some Lawson stores offer on-site health checkups and machikado (street corner) health consultations. In cooperation with local governments, health checkups and consultations, previously conducted at government offices and community centers, are now available at convenience stores, making them more familiar and accessible to residents.

Cermaq, an MC subsidiary, engages in external sustainability initiatives aligned with its strategy, which emphasizes partnerships to address challenges in the salmon and seafood sector in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Cermaq has identified three high-priority goals: Goal 2: Zero Hunger, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 14: Life Below Water. The company participates in industry and multi-stakeholder initiatives at various levels to find solutions.

Examples of initiatives include:

GSI is a leadership initiative established by global farmed salmon producers. It aims to provide a highly sustainable source of healthy protein to feed a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact and improving the industry’s contributions to society.

Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship was established in 2016 by nine of the world’s largest seafood companies, including Cermaq, Thai Union, Nissui, Maruha Nichiro, and Mowi, working alongside leading scientists and universities. The initiative explores transformative risks and opportunities to promote sustainable seafood operations and ensure a healthy ocean.