Food · Fermented foods

Ushi-tan (Beef Tongue)

牛 副生物 舌 (Ushi-tan)

Also known as: Ushi-tan, Beef tongue, 牛タン, Gyū-tan

Looking for a Japanese supplier of Ushi-tan (Beef Tongue)? Tell us

At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling name牛 副生物 舌
Common Japanese notations牛タン, 牛舌, ウシタン, Gyū-tan
OriginBeef tongue offal; principal supply USA, Australia imports for cost-positioned mass-market; Sendai (Miyagi) is the heritage gyū-tan production center for premium Japanese-style preparation
Typical functionsSendai gyū-tan-yaki — defining regional cuisine signature, Premium yakiniku tongue cut, Tongue-deli (Western-style)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Sendai gyū-tan regional brand established. Imported origin disclosure essential. Not a designated allergen.

Ushi-tan (牛タン) — beef tongue — is a defining Sendai (Miyagi) regional cuisine ingredient (gyū-tan-yaki). Imported principally from USA and Australia.

Find OEM manufacturers

Browse Japanese OEM manufacturers that build products in this category. Filter by small lot, certifications, prefecture.

Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Pre-cooked Sendai gyū-tan retail (premium gift)
  • Frozen sliced tan retail (yakiniku)

Ingredient profile

Beef tongue offal.

OEM applications

Sendai gyū-tan-yaki — regional signature.

Yakiniku tan.

Tongue-deli.

For OEM: Sendai gyū-tan production OEM, premium gift retail.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Sendai regional brand. Imported origin disclosure. Not a designated allergen.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUEstablished offal market.
USAMajor US beef tongue export.
ChinaMajor Chinese beef tongue cuisine.
KoreaEstablished Korean uhyeo tradition.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification.

All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

Alternative ingredients

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Ushi-tan (Beef Tongue)?
Ushi-tan (牛タン) — beef tongue — is a defining Sendai (Miyagi) regional cuisine ingredient (gyū-tan-yaki). Imported principally from USA and Australia.
What is the regulatory status of Ushi-tan (Beef Tongue) in Japan?
Standard food labeling. Sendai gyū-tan regional brand established. Imported origin disclosure essential. Not a designated allergen.
What products typically use Ushi-tan (Beef Tongue)?
Pre-cooked Sendai gyū-tan retail (premium gift) / Frozen sliced tan retail (yakiniku)
Where does Ushi-tan (Beef Tongue) come from?
Beef tongue offal; principal supply USA, Australia imports for cost-positioned mass-market; Sendai (Miyagi) is the heritage gyū-tan production center for premium Japanese-style preparation
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Ushi-tan (Beef Tongue)?
JSCI: 牛 副生物 舌

Search the academic literature

Pre-filled queries for the major research databases. Opens in a new tab.

Official regulatory databases

External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.

References

  1. 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — 牛 副生物 舌 各形態

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

Explore more Japan-market resources

Related tools for overseas buyers, formulators, and sourcing teams.