FSANZ seeks views on proposed changes to the Food Code
25 May 2005
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited consumers, public health professionals, food businesses and other bodies with an interest in food regulations to comment on a range of proposed changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
The proposals include the addition of a range of vitamins and minerals to water-based drinks, maximum residue limits for antibiotics, use of a new genetically modified cotton as a food, and the introduction of mandatory food safety programs to two potentially high-risk industry sectors.
FSANZ is an independent bi-national government agency responsible for setting regulations that govern the composition and labelling of food sold in Australia and New Zealand, as well as food hygiene rules to be followed by food businesses in Australia.
The regulations – known as “food standards” – are developed in consultation with individuals and organisations with an interest in a particular food issue, including consumers, industry and State, Territory and New Zealand food agencies.
Addition of vitamins and minerals to formulated beverages (Application A470 – Draft Assessment )
Australian Beverages Council Limited has applied for permission to add a wide range of vitamins and minerals to non-alcoholic, water-based, flavoured beverages (formulated beverages). At present, there are no specific provisions in the Food Standards Code covering vitamins and minerals in formulated beverages. Australian manufacturers are currently unable to manufacture these beverages unless they utilise existing permissions for sports foods. However, they can be manufactured in New Zealand under dietary supplement regulations and imported to Australia.
FSANZ has undertaken a risk assessment of this Application to ensure protection of public health and safety. FSANZ was especially concerned that there should be no over-exposure of the community to some vitamins and minerals. FSANZ is proposing to permit the addition of a defined set of vitamins and minerals, in addition to specific compositional requirements, and is seeking comment from interested parties.
Lipase from Candida rugosaas a processing aid (Application A516 – Draft Assessment )
Biocatalysts Ltd (Wales, UK) has applied for approval for a new source of the currently approved enzyme, lipase triacylglycerol, as a processing aid. The new source is from the yeast Candida rugosa. The purpose of this processing aid is to produce desirable flavours for processed cheese. FSANZ has concluded that the enzyme produced from this new source does not present any public health or safety concerns and that the use of this enzyme is technologically justified. Comments are welcomed.
Maximum Residue Limits – Australia only
Application A550 – Sulphaquinoxaline (antibiotic) – Initial/Draft Assessment
Application A557 – Lasalocid (antibiotic) – Initial/Draft Assessment
Application A558 – MRLs (antibiotics) – Initial/Draft Assessment
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has applied to FSANZ seeking to amend Maximum Residue Limits for a number of antibiotics 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.
Food derived from a glufosinate-ammonium-tolerant cotton (Application A533 - Draft Assessment )
All genetically modified commodities must undergo a safety assessment before being approved for sale as a food. Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd has applied for approval for a cotton variety containing a genetic trait that confers tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium. Cotton is generally used as a food in the form of cottonseed oil.
Following a comprehensive safety assessment of this GM cotton, FSANZ has concluded that, when used as a food, it is as safe and as nutritious as food derived from non-GM cotton. There are no public health and safety concerns.
Food safety programs for food service to vulnerable populations (Proposal P288 -Draft Assessment) – Australia only
The Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council has identified four potentially high-risk business activities that should implement documented and audited food safety programs. The provision of meals to vulnerable populations by hospitals, aged care facilities, childcare centres and other facilities catering specifically to vulnerable groups is one of the four activities.
In developing a food standard to give effect to this ministerial decision, FSANZ has consulted widely with the food businesses concerned, the vulnerable populations themselves (the young, the sick, the elderly) and State and Territory jurisdictions. Details of the proposed food standard can be found on the FSANZ website, together with a Statement of Reasons of why the new standard is required. Comment is invited.
Food safety programs for producers of manufactured and fermented meats (Proposal P289 – Draft Assessment) – Australia only
The Ministerial Council’s decision to mandate food safety programs for potentially high-risk business activities was based on the results of a National Risk Validation Project and the study Food Safety Management Systems, Costs, Benefits and Alternatives (the Allen Report). The production of manufactured and fermented meats is one of the activities.
The industry has already recognised the need for stringent food safety management systems. Most businesses are already operating under food safety programs. The draft standard, outlining the requirements for a documented food safety management system for producers of manufactured and fermented meats, is available on the FSANZ website. The website also provides intending submitters with details of how to lodge their comments with FSANZ.
Submissions: Assessment Reports and information for intending submitters are available from FSANZ at www.foodstandards.gov.au. Submissions should be received by FSANZ by Wednesday 6 July 2005 or by Wednesday 20 July 2005 for P288 and P289.
Media contact: Vicki Pow 02 6271 2621 or 0401 714 265