FSANZ proposes changes to food code: Invites public comment

The national food regulator, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), today invited public comment on proposed changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Food standards in the Code regulate the way food is produced, processed, handled and sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Changes being considered are the harmonisation of wine production rules with international requirements, approval of a genetically modified corn, a processing aid from a genetically modified source, the ratio of fats in infant formula products and permitted chemical residue levels.

FSANZ welcomes comment from individuals and organisations with an interest in any of the issues under consideration, which should be made by 12 July 2006.  

FSANZ will summarise the comments in a final report and will indicate what action, if any, it will take in response to the comments.

 

Ratio of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infant formula products

(Application A532 – Initial Assessment)

The Infant Formula Manufacturers Association and the New Zealand Infant Formula Marketers’ Association have jointly applied to remove a requirement in the Code for infant formula products with added long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to have omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of approximately 2:1.   The applicant claims recent scientific evidence does not support this ratio.   We would like to hear from individuals and organisations with an interest in this issue.

Food derived from amylase-modified corn line 3272

(Application 580 – Initial Assessment)

Syngenta Seeds Pty Ltd has requested approval of a genetically modified corn intended for ethanol fuel production.   Under an agreement with the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, FSANZ conducts a safety assessment on a GM crop if there is any possibility that the crop could accidentally enter the human food supply.   We have to approve all GM foods before they can be sold in Australia and New Zealand.   At this stage, we are seeking the views of individuals and organisations with an interest in GM foods.

Wine production requirements

(Application A551 – Initial/Draft Assessment) - Australia only

FSANZ has received an application from the Winemakers Federation of Australia to correct some editorial deficiencies in the existing food standard for wine production.   The standard underpins Australia’s agreement with the European Union on trade in wine.   We have concluded that the changes requested are of a minor significance or complexity and are proposing to amend the Food Standards Code.   We seek comment on this matter.

Maximum Residue Limits

(Application A572 – Initial/Draft Assessment) – Australia only

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has applied to FSANZ seeking to amend maximum residue limits (MRLs) for a number of chemicals in the Code.   FSANZ has reviewed the estimated dietary exposure assessments for these applications.   These assessments indicate that the residues associated with the proposed MRLs do not represent an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.

Lipase from Hansenula polymorpha as a processing aid

(Application A569 – Draft assessment)

Processing aids have to undergo a safety assessment by FSANZ before they are approved for use in the manufacture of foods.   Axiome Pty Ltd has applied for approval to use an enzyme, lipase triacycloglycerol, produced using recombinant DNA techniques, from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha.   The enzyme is used in manufacturing bread to improve bread volume and crumb structure.   We have concluded that use of this enzyme from this source is technologically justified and presents no health or safety concerns.   We are recommending approval of the application and seek comment.

 

Submissions:  FSANZ welcomes public comment from industry, public health professionals, government agencies and consumers.   Details of all the assessments above can be found on www.foodstandards.gov.au .   Submissions close on 12 July 2006.

 

Media contact:           Dr Michael Dack 0401 714 265 (Australia) or

                                    +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)