1. Consideration for human rights throughout the supply chain

The Group has established the NISSIN FOODS Group Supplier Code of Conduct and aims to conduct procurement that takes human rights into consideration. In particular, we recognize human rights issues relating to the procurement of palm oil as a top priority. To this end, we are conducting surveys and engaging in dialogue with small-scale palm oil farmers linked to our supply chain in an effort to identify the issues at hand. We are taking steps to resolve these human rights issues we have identified by providing support for obtaining RSPO certification and establishing consumer cooperatives. Furthermore, in the Malaysian state of Sabah, we are evaluating the effectiveness of the landscape approach. By providing training on farm management methods and occupational health and safety, we aim to improve working conditions while also enhancing productivity and profitability.

• Palm Oil Procurement
• Supply Chain Management

2. Fair working conditions for non-Japanese employees working at our plants

To gain an understanding of the working environment for non-Japanese employees, we conducted an anonymous questionnaire*2 among non-Japanese employees working at the manufacturing plants of our domestic group companies in Japan, with the cooperation of a third-party agency*1.

Based on the findings of our questionnaires to date, we have identified cases where non-Japanese employees feel marginalized due to differences in language and culture, as well as cases that could lead to labor-related issues. Thus, we have reconfirmed the potential for adverse effects on human rights and the need for measures to mitigate and prevent human rights risks.
As part of our efforts to reduce and prevent human rights risks, we take measures such as reading contracts together during recruitment and making the items shown on pay slips easier to understand so that important information is provided to non-Japanese employees. This initiative is implemented at all manufacturing plants where the necessity to reduce and prevent human rights risks has been identified.
Furthermore, to allow non-Japanese employees to convey their opinions with peace of mind, we have established contact points for consultation at workplaces and internal whistleblowing contact points—all of which can be used by whistleblowers without fear of retribution—as well as an opinion box where employees can give their opinions anonymously and in their mother tongues. At the same time, we regularly make known these initiatives to everyone and encourage their usage. We will continue to strive toward creating mechanisms that make it easier for non-Japanese employees to consult and communicate and establishing motivating workplace environments.
NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS joined the Japan Platform for Migrant Workers towards Responsible and Inclusive Society*4—which seeks to solve the labor and social issues faced by migrant workers in Japan—in January 2021. Since 2022, the company has also expressed its support for the basic policy on acceptance of foreigners stipulated by Seidanren*5.

• *1The survey in June 2020 was conducted under the supervision of Caux Round Table Japan—a global network of business leaders working to realize a fair, free, and transparent society through sustainable and socially responsible business—while the ones in February 2021, February 2022, and February 2024 were under The Global Alliance for Sustainable Supply Chain.
• *2Coverage: Plants of NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS, MYOJO FOOD, NISSIN CHILLED FOODS, NISSIN FROZEN FOODS.
• *3This is an organization established in November 2020 through public-private collaboration under the lead of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It formulated the following five principles of action:
  1. We will comply with relevant laws and regulations when accepting migrant workers.
  2. We will prioritize resolving issues by respecting the human rights of migrant workers and understanding their working and living conditions.
  3. We will foster mutual understanding and trust with migrant workers, both in the workplace and in real-life settings.
  4. We will develop the skills of migrant workers, as a way to contribute to the development and stability of Japan and the international community.
  5. We will actively promote the initiatives of the platform across Japan and around the world.
  Besides striving to implement these commitments within our own company/organization, we will also actively encourage our supply chain and related businesses and organizations to do the same.
• *4Seidanren is an organization that offers recommendations to the government and administrative bodies and conducts information dissemination activities to citizens. It seeks to protect the livelihoods and lives of citizens, and its members include companies, industrial groups, consumer organizations, and NPOs.

3. Safe and secure working environment for employees

To create a working environment where employees can work safely and securely, we are implementing appropriate management of working hours and provide in-house training. We also endeavor to identify potential risks in the working environment through employee surveys. At our overseas sites, we are verifying the status of working environment management and the implementation of employee surveys, working to identify potential risks. Furthermore, we have established the NISSIN FOODS Group Human Rights Policy, which prohibits discrimination and harassment.

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Labor Practices and Work Environments
• Occupational Health and Safety

4. Responsible marketing and sales

The Group respects children’s rights and is committed to responsible marketing activities. Furthermore, NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS has set out guidelines on marketing to children in its Marketing Policy.

• NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS Marketing Policy

5. Responsible utilization of AI technology

Since 2023, NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS has been utilizing NISSIN AI-chat, an interactive AI system developed in-house, across a range of business operations. To ensure that we continue to utilize this technology in a manner that prioritizes respect for human rights, fairness, and safety, we will press ahead with establishing a governance framework for the development, provision, and use of AI, as well as formulating relevant guidelines and policies.