Meticulous quality control is essential to ensure true safety and peace of mind.
At Sakamoto, we apply strict quality standards to the entire production process of all our products, including chirimen-jako.
We enforce rigorous risk management across every stage.
In addition to our expertise in selecting the finest raw materials, built on years of experience, we implement a quality control system based on thorough risk analysis. This enables us to deliver the full natural flavor of our ingredients.
Sakamoto’s commitment to safety and quality is made possible through this comprehensive management framework.
Certified under FSSC 22000
We want more customers to enjoy our products with greater peace of mind.
That is why our First Processing Plant has obtained FSSC 22000 certification, the latest international standard for food safety recognized worldwide. Sakamoto’s top-level quality management, among the best in the industry, provides strong assurance not only to consumers but also to our business partners.
What is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 stands for Food Safety System Certification 22000. It is a food safety management system standard developed by the Foundation FSSC 22000, and is recognized as one of the highest global benchmarks for food safety. This certification is approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a non-profit organization led by the international food retail industry. In addition to the traditional ISO 22000 framework, FSSC 22000 includes enhanced measures such as allergen management, food defense, and fraud prevention, providing an even higher level of safety and assurance.
We are a member of the Japan Management Association (JMA), which supports food safety initiatives.
We implement a management system standard designed to ensure effective food safety practices.
What FSSC 22000 Certification Means
All Sakamoto products are manufactured at our First Processing Plant, which is certified under the FSSC 22000 system. FSSC 22000 is a highly comprehensive and interconnected food safety management system. Because of its complexity, it may seem overly formal or difficult to grasp at first.
But take something as simple as handwashing, for example.
Anyone entering a production area and handling food must be in the cleanest condition possible.
For that reason alone, we have established 12 detailed standards for handwashing, and every single employee is trained to follow them strictly.
In the food industry, doing what is "obvious" — and doing it more seriously than anyone else — is what sets true professionals apart. Each product we bring to the world is the result of a collective commitment to food safety by our entire team.
Production Process
Raw Ingredient Delivery
Raw Ingredients sourced from markets and production regions are transported to our processing facility in dedicated refrigerated vehicles, maintaining optimal temperatures to preserve quality.
Foreign Matter Removal & Quality Sorting
- Magnetic Separation
- Vibration Sorting
- Wind Separation
- Color Sorting
- Visual Inspection
- Metal Detection
In addition to the above processes, sensory evaluations—including assessments of taste, aroma, color, and texture—are conducted by experienced staff. Only the raw materials that pass all of these inspections are approved as acceptable and move on to the next stage of production. Through this series of thorough inspections, our delicious chirimen becomes not only flavorful, but also safe and trustworthy.
Packaging Process
At Sakamoto, we deliberately avoid fully automating our production lines. Instead, we ensure that trained personnel are involved in every step of the packaging process.
This is because we believe that human verification is the most reliable form of quality control. What may seem inefficient at first glance is, in fact, one of the most essential elements that uphold Sakamoto’s commitment to quality.
Storage & Shipping
Each product is stored at its optimal temperature in frozen conditions to maintain freshness. Products are then shipped using refrigerated vehicles, ensuring they remain in peak condition until they reach their destination.
