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Amendments to FSANZ Application Handbook

All applications to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code are required to include certain minimum information as detailed in the FSANZ Act and in any guidelines issued by FSANZ. These guidelines have been consolidated into the FSANZ Application Handbook, which also contains information on assessment processes, cost recovery and confidentiality. FSANZ is able to refuse to accept an application on the basis that it does not meet the information requirements set out in the Handbook.

FSANZ recently held a round of public consultation on a number of proposed amendments to the Handbook. The amendments affect both Part 3 (Mandatory requirements) and Parts 1 and 2 (information only) of the Handbook:

Part 3

• correction of typographical errors
• reduction in duplication of text
• clarification of the meaning of the text to further assist applicants in understanding what information is required
• clarification of information and data requirements
• inclusion of additional information relating to the Ministerial Council Policy Guideline on the Addition to Food of Substances other than Vitamins and Minerals
• inclusion of additional information relating to the Ministerial Council Policy Guideline on the Intent of Part 2.9 – Special Purpose Foods

Parts 1 and 2

• correction of a typographical errors
• clarification of text

The Explanatory Statement which includes a summary of the submissions received and how they were addressed, is availableHERE.

The updated version of the Handbook (as at 1 August 2010) is available  HERE. The requirements in this new version will apply for all applications received by FSANZ from 1 August 2011 onwards. Applications lodged with FSANZ prior to this date will need to meet the requirements in the 1 July 2010 version of the Handbook.