Japan on Tuesday voiced strong regret over Taiwan's announcement that it will tighten regulations on food imports from Japan possibly in mid-May, Kyodo reported.

"We will continue to strongly urge the Taiwanese side to take appropriate measures based on scientific grounds," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, insisting on the safety of Japan-made food products.

"We believe (Taiwan's move) is extremely regrettable," Suga, the top government spokesman, said at a news conference.