ANZFA SIXTY-EIGHTH MEETING
Sydney
9-10 May 2001
SUMMARY OF KEY OUTCOMES
Recommendations relating to Food Standards matters
The ANZFA Board has responsibility under theAustralia New Zealand Food Authority Act 1991to consider standards matters and make recommendations to members of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Council (which is composed of Health Ministers from the Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand, as Lead Ministers, as well as a number of other participating Ministers nominated by each jurisdiction, under the Food Standards Agreement signed in November 2000) to amend theFood Standards Code. The Ministers consider the recommendations from the Board and decisions are determined by majority vote, before the Code can be amended. Ministers can reject the recommendation if they so wish, or amend it, or return the recommendation to the Board for reconsideration.
Application A410 - Phytosterol Esters derived from vegetable oils
The Board considered the Inquiry Report seeking permission for the use of phytosterol esters derived from vegetable oils. Phytosterol esters are natural components of edible vegetable oils and can be added for their reported ability to reduce plasma cholesterol levels. This is the first application to be considered under the Novel Food Standard. The Board will be recommending draft changes to theFood Standards Codeto only allow the addition of Phytosterol esters to table spreads. The proposed draft variations to theFood Standards Codewill now be recommended to Ministers for adoption.
Proposal P232 - Compositional Standards
The Board considered the Inquiry Report for a number of "icon" compositional standards which was prepared as required by Ministers in November 2000. The composition standards are for chocolate, fruit drinks, additional sugar to fruit juice and related products, peanut butter, jam and cream. The proposed draft variations to theFood Standards Codewill now be recommended to Ministers for adoption.
Proposal P153 - The Review of Health and related claims
The Board considered the Inquiry Report for the review of health and related claims and has agreed that approved health claims be introduced as part of a comprehensive management framework. Aspects of the management framework include the development of a code of practice to assist in the application and enforcement of the standard and rigorous scientific substantiation. The proposed draft variations to theFood Standards Codewill now be recommended to Ministers for adoption.
Application A277 - Inulin and fructooligosaccharides as dietary fibre
The Board approved the Inquiry Report for the approval of Inulin and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as dietary fibre. Inulin and FOS qualify as dietary fibre because they can mildly increase stool mass, and ease constipation. The proposed draft variations to theFood Standards Codewill now be recommended to Ministers for adoption.
Application A406 - permission for use of neotame
The Board approved the Inquiry Report for permission for use of neotame. Neotame is a newly developed intense sweetener with a sweetness potency 7000-13000 times that of sugar. The proposed draft variations to theFood Standards Codewill now be recommended to Ministers for adoption.
Application A411 - Pasteurisation of Orange Juice and labelling of unpasteurised juice
The Board approved the Full Assessment Report for pasteurisation of orange juice and labelling of unpasteurised juice. The Application seeks mandatory labelling for unpasteurised juice. Producers will also be encouraged to minimise contamination of untreated juice by adhering to mandatory microbiology criteria and complying with a voluntary code of practice. The Report will be released in the near future for public consultation.
Application A419 - Sorbic acid in edible collagen casings
The Board approved the Full Assessment Report for sorbic acid in edible collagen casings. Sorbic acid is a food additive that is added to the collagen casings to prevent mould growth during the manufacturing process. The Report will be released in the near future for public consultation
Proposal P234 - Review of nutrient claims and other related claims
The Board agreed to a new proposal for review of nutrient claims and other related claims. This will involve a review of the Code of Practice on nutrient claims in food labels and in advertisements. Public consultation on the new Proposal will be held in the near future.
Proposal New Proposal - Advisory Statement on reduced fat and condensed milks
The Board agreed to a new proposal for an advisory statement on reduced fat and condensed milks. It is proposed to review existing warning statements on skim, modified milk and condensed milk with a view to developing an advisory (as opposed to warning) statement covering the feeding of such products to infants and toddlers. Public consultation on the new Proposal will be held in the near future.
Proposal New Proposal - Revised MRL schedule
The Board agreed to progress a new proposal for maximum residue limits (MRLs) to address a number of anomalies between the current Standards in Volumes 1 and 2 of theFood Standards Codefor MRLs. Public consultation will be held in the near future.
Application A412 - Ethylene oxide
On 17 August 2000, Health Ministers adopted an amendment to theFood Standards Codewhich allowed the use of ethylene oxide as a fumigant in herbs and spices. The amendment was gazetted on 17 August 2000. This permission expires on 30 September 2001, unless Minister decide otherwise following a further process.
Having progressed A412 in 2000 as a matter of urgency under the section 37 provisions of the ANZFA Act, based on the protection of public health and safety, the Board was then required to carry out public consultation on the matter. This has now been completed and the Board approved the Inquiry Report, thus endorsing its original recommendation to Ministers. No further action is required to occur.
Application A360 - Hemp as a food
The Board noted a response from the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy advising that further advice should be sought from the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General.
Other matters
Corporate Plan for 2001-2004
The Board endorsed the proposed Corporate Plan for 2001-2004. The Corporate Plan was developed following a detailed process involving the Board and staff. It will be made available shortly.
Maori Consultation Strategy
The Board considered a report of the meeting of the Maori Reference Group held on 10 April 2001 in New Zealand. The Group advises ANZFA on food standards issues likely to have significance for Maori and will suggest appropriate measures for consulting further on those issues.
Health Promotion Policy
The Board endorsed the proposed Health Promotion Policy. The Health Promotion Policy clearly defines ANZFA's health promotion role within the broader health system to assist in decision making, especially in relation to the nature and extent of information provision and education initiatives.
Community Involvement Protocol
The Board endorsed a Community Involvement Policy and Protocol. The development of a Community Involvement Policy and Protocol was identified as a key priority within the Community Involvement Strategy. The Community Involvement Policy and Protocol will be available shortly.
2001-2002 Budget
The Board endorsed the Draft Budget for ANZFA for 2001-2002.
Strategy for the evaluation of food regulation measures
The Board agreed to a proposed model for the development of an standards Evaluation Strategy. A steering committee will be established to oversee the development of the strategy and its implementation. It will aim to evaluate if the expected outcomes of implementing new regulations, as defined in the objectives of the review and those stated in the ANZFA Act, have been achieved.
User Guides
The Board noted the progress on the development of user guides to assist in the interpretation and application of the Joint Code. The user guides will be collated to form a companion document to the Joint Code and will be available from the publisher (Anstat P/L) and ANZFA website from mid 2001.
Listeria Risk Assessment and Management Project
The Board noted the progress on the Listeria Risk Assessment and Risk Management Strategy. The strategy builds on existing programs and standards in Australia and New Zealand. The project will seek input and participation from all stakeholders, including industry, regulators and the scientific community to provide a benchmark against which existing standards and programs can be evaluated for efficacy and consistency. The Board will continue monitor progress on the Listeria risk assessment and risk management strategy.
Integrated Risk Management
The Board noted the progress of ANZFA's Integrated Risk Management Strategy.