FSANZ wants public comment on possible changes to food code
12 December 2007
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on a number of applications to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Among the items being considered are possible labelling of alcoholic beverages with a pregnancy health statement, revised residue limits in food, the addition of calcium to some chewing gum, food from genetically modified cotton and corn, and food safety programs for catering to the general public.
In addition, FSANZ is releasing a ‘consultation paper’ on nutrition and health claims to obtain community feedback on three issues before the FSANZ Board makes a final decision on the rules governing the use of these claims by food manufacturers.
Submissions should be in FSANZ’s hands by Wednesday 6 February 2008, except for the nutrition and health claims consultation (P293), which closes off on Friday 1 February 2008.
Labelling of alcoholic beverages with a pregnancy health advisory label
(Application A576 – Initial Assessment)
The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) is seeking to require a health advisory label on alcoholic beverage containers advising of the risks of consuming alcohol when planning to become pregnant and during pregnancy. ALAC’s reasons include the view that health advisory labels would enhance national strategies for discouraging drinking while pregnant and that no level of alcohol consumption has been determined to be safe for the foetus. We welcome comment on this application.
Country of origin labelling requirements for unpackaged pork products (Australia only)
(Application A583 – Initial Assessment)
We have received an application from the Australian Meat Industry Council seeking to remove the country of origin labelling (CoOL) requirement for unpackaged processed pork products. The present CoOL requirements have been well received by consumers; however, the post-farmgate pork industry has some ongoing concerns. In considering a change to the Food Standards Code, we must carefully consider the potential impacts on consumers as well as the benefit to industry. We welcome advice on whether, or not, to amend the Code.
Food derived from glyphosate-tolerant cotton variety GHB614
(Application A614 – Initial Assessment)
Bayer CropScience is seeking approval for food derived from glyphosate-tolerant cotton, line GHB614 – a cotton variety that has been genetically modified (GM) to be resistant to glyphosate herbicide. FSANZ must undertake a pre-market safety assessment of GM crops before approving their use for human consumption. The oil and linters of this cotton variety are intended for use in food. We invite the views of interested parties.
Food derived from insect-protected cotton line COT67B
(Application A615 – Initial Assessment)
Syngenta Seeds Pty Ltd has applied to FSANZ to approve food derived from cotton genetically modified to provide resistance to Lepidopteran species. Oil and linters are the only food products derived from cotton. We will only approve the application if we are satisfied that the GM food is as safe as its non-GM counterpart. We are seeking the views of interested parties.
Maximum residue limits – Australia only