Maximum residue limits
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Ministerial Taskforce on chemicals and plastics regulation has addressed the process of setting maximum residue limits (MRLs) for domestically grown produce. Legislative changes, which took effect on 1 March 2011, have streamlined the food standards development process to allow for quicker recognition of such MRLs in food standards. Under the new arrangements, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) can vary MRLs in Schedule 1 of Standard 1.4.2 in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. FSANZ retains responsibility for dietary exposure assessments.
The delay between APVMA approval of a chemical product for use and the inclusion of appropriate MRLs in the Food Standards Code will be significantly reduced as a result of the changes.
FSANZ retains the capacity to vary Standard 1.4.2. Similarly, the COAG Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation (formerly the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council) will retain its oversight of the Food Standards Code as a whole and may request a review of any standard in the code, including MRLs.
The process will continue to ensure residues of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in food do not pose a risk to public health and safety.
The APVMA will also regularly call for comment on proposed draft variations to MRLs listed in Schedule 1. The consultation period will be 28 calendar days.
The FSANZ Notification Circular will also advise of calls for comment.
APVMA consultation documents on proposed draft MRL variations