FSANZ mulls changes to food laws
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited comment on proposed changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – regulations that apply to all food sold in Australia and New Zealand. Among the changes being contemplated are the deletion of two antibiotics from the Code, the use of steviol glycosides and cyclamates as sugar substitutes, a genetically modified corn variety and a food additive for wine. FSANZ is inviting comment from the general public, the food industry, health professionals and government agencies on the proposed changes to the Code. FSANZ summarises all submissions in a final report and explains what action, if any, it has taken in response to issues raised in submissions.
Mannoproteins as a food additive for wine (Application A605 – Initial Assessment)
Laffort Services has applied for permission to use mannoproteins extracted from yeast cell walls as a food additive in wine to inhibit the crystallisation of potassium bitartrate, which is an aesthetic issue of importance to wine consumers. Existing methods to eliminate potassium bitartrate have disadvantages. FSANZ must undertake a pre-market safety assessment of food additives before giving approval for their use. At this stage, we invite the views of interested parties on whether we should proceed with this work.
Ratio of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infant formula (Application A532 – Draft Assessment)
The Infant Formula Manufacturers Association of Australia and the New Zealand Infant Formula Marketers’ Association have jointly applied to amend a requirement in the Code for infant formula products with added long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) to have omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of approximately 2:1 to a ratio of 1:1. The applicant claims recent scientific evidence has emerged and that the current standard is inconsistent with international food standards. We would like to hear from interested parties on our proposal to amend the Code to require an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio that is not less than 1, should LCPUFAs be added to infant formula.
Steviol glycosides as intense sweeteners (Application A540 – Draft Assessment)
The Plant Sciences Group of Central Queensland University and Australian Stevia Mills Pty Ltd have applied for the Code to be amended to allow the use of steviol glycosides as an intense sweetener for a wide variety of foods. Steviol glycosides extracted from the herbStevia rebaudianaare 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose. We have estimated the dietary exposure of consumers at the maximum levels proposed by the applicant and have concluded that there are no public health and safety concerns. Comment is invited.
Food derived from amylase-modified corn line 3272 (Application A580 – Draft Assessment)
Syngenta Australia has applied to FSANZ to approve food derived from genetically modified corn line 3272. This GM corn is intended for ethanol production in the United States, however the ethanol produced could be used for food applications. FSANZ must carry out a safety assessment of GM crops before they can be sold as food. We have examined the allergenicity, toxicity and other characteristics of corn line 3272 and have concluded that it is as safe as its conventionally produced counterpart. We seek the views of interested parties.
Review of cyclamate permissions (Proposal P287 – Draft Assessment)
A FSANZ-commissioned survey in 2004 on the consumption of intense sweeteners in Australia and New Zealand concluded that the estimated dietary exposure of some consumers of cyclamate products for retail sale exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for cyclamate. The major contributors to estimated dietary cylcamate exposures were water-based flavoured drinks (eg. soft drinks, cordials). We are therefore intending to reduce the maximum permitted level for cyclamates in water-based flavoured drinks and to allow the use of cyclamates in tabletop sweeteners. We believe these measures will protect the public health and safety of consumers. We invite comment from all interested parties.
Maximum residue limits (Australia only) (Application A590 – Initial / Draft Assessment)
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has requested that FSANZ delete all permissions for the antibiotics avoparcin and oxolinic acid in the Food Standards Code. APVMA has advised that there are no registered or permitted uses for veterinary chemical products containing these two antibiotics in food-producing species in Australia. The deletions of the MRLs for avoparcin and oxolinic acid do not present any public health and safety concerns.
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.a u. Submissions close on 4 July 2007 .
Media contact: Lydia Buchtmann 0401 714 265 (Australia) or
+61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)