FSANZ invites public to consider proposed changes to food code
5 October 2005
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today released details of changes it is considering to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code– food regulations designed to protect consumers and ensure that manufacturers provide adequate information to the buying public.
The changes include an exemption of an allergen warning for isinglass in beer and wine, a review of the novel food standard, the use of medium chain triglycerides in infant formula, two new processing aids, and amendments to some maximum residue limits.
Background information on all the proposed changes can be found on the FSANZ website at www.foodstandards.gov.au , with details on how individuals and organisations can make a submission.
Items at initial assessment are at an early stage of the process. Those at draft assessment have undergone a scientific risk evaluation and a draft standard is available for scrutiny and comment. Normally, matters at draft assessment have already received one round of public comment.
FSANZ analyses each submission – including any scientific information that may be supplied – and responds to issues raised by submitters in its final report on a food standard matter.
Exemption of allergen warning for isinglass (Application A490 – Initial Assessment )
FSANZ has received an application from the Beer, Wine and Spirits Council of New Zealand to amend theAustralia New Zealand Food Standards Codeto exempt beer and wine from the requirement to declare the presence of isinglass on the label. Isinglass – a processing aid derived from fish – is used as a clarifying agent for beer and wine. It is identified on the label to protect people who may suffer from an adverse reaction to fish products. The exemption is being sought on the basis that isinglass has a long history of safe use as a processing aid in wine and beer. We invite public comment on this application.
Medium chain triglycerides in infant formula (Application A563 – Initial Assessment )
DSM Nutritional Products Australia Pty Ltd has applied for permission to use medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) as processing aids in the preparation of infant formula products. FSANZ will assess the applicant’s claim that there are no public health or safety issues associated with this application. We seek public comment on the risk to human health of using MCTs derived from coconut and palm kernel oils as processing aids in infant formula products. We also invite comment on the technological justification provided by the Applicant and the costs and benefits of amending the Code.
Lipase made from Hansenula polymorpha as a processing aid (Application A569 – Initial Assessment)
Danisco Australia Pty Ltd has applied for approval to use the enzyme lipase triacylglycerol, produced using recombinant DNA techniques from the host yeast Hansenula polymorpha, as a processing aid. The enzyme is used in bread making to improve dough stability and dough handling properties. Processing aids must undergo a pre-market safety assessment before approval for use in Australia and New Zealand. At this stage, FSANZ is seeking information to assist its assessment of this application.
Lipase made from Mucor javanicus as a processing aid (Application A517 – Draft Assessment)
Biocatalysts Ltd is seeking approval to amend the Code to permit the use of the enzyme lipase triacylglycerol, derived from the fungus Mucor javanicus, as a processing aid. FSANZ has determined that the enzyme obtained from this source does not raise any public health and safety concerns. Furthermore, its use will help promote an efficient and internationally competitive food industry. The benefits of permitting its use outweigh any costs associated with its use. We invite comment on our proposed decision to approve the use of lipase triacylglycerol from this source.
Review of Standard 1.5.1 – Novel Food Standard (Proposal P291 – Draft Assessment)
As requested by the Food Regulation Ministerial Council, FSANZ is undertaking a review of the way novel foods are regulated. Novel foods are non-traditional foods that have features or characteristics which raise possible safety concerns, while non-traditional foods are foods that do not have a history of significant human consumption in the broad community in Australia or New Zealand. They are required to undergo a pre-market risk assessment to ensure their safety.
FSANZ is recommending that the present food standard (Standard 1.5.1 – Novel Foods) should be retained, albeit with amendments to the definitions of “non-traditional” and “novel” foods. We are also recommending that the process for determining novelty should continue. However, we will adopt guidelines for novel foods that should provide greater clarity and transparency for stakeholders on how novelty is assessed. Interested parties can comment on the proposed changes.
Maximum residue limits (Application A556, Application A559 – 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.
Submissions: Initial and Draft Assessment Reports can be obtained on the FSANZ website at www.foodstandards.gov.au . FSANZ should receive submissions by 6pm (Canberra time) Wednesday 16 November 2005, except for P291, which closes 6pm (Canberra time) Wednesday 25 January 2006.
Media: Lydia Buchtmann on 0401 714 265 (Australia) or +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)